Welcome! Happy Simple Living's Easy Times newsletter helps busy people simplify with easy recipes and tips for creating a comfy home, organic gardening, saving money, living a simpler life, enjoying holidays, and having more fun!
I'm Trying Something Different This Holiday Season - November Letter
Published 2 days agoΒ β’Β 4 min read
β
β
Hello, and happy November!
β
With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving before us, today marks the unofficial start to the holiday season.
β
We may need to gird our collective loins, because we're about to be bombarded with ads and content urging us to buy more, do more, and be more.
β
Just this week, Facebook shared an influencer in my feed who urged her audience to consider "a Christmas tree for every room in the house."
β
I marveled at her festive photos, lingering over a mini tree perched on the bathroom toilet tank decorated with rubber duckies and blinking tinkle twinkle lights. (What could possibly go wrong?)
β
While I love seeing how other creative people decorate for Christmas, I'm in a different state of mind this year.
β
Hygge for the Holidays
β
Maybe it's the collective despair about the ongoing government shutdown in the U.S. affecting food programs and people's jobs, but I feel more subdued and reflective this year.
β
So I've looked for ways to bring more hygge into the season. Pronounced hoo-gah, you probably know that hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that refers to "creating a mood of coziness, kindness, and sanctuary."
β
Here are some of my favorite simple ways to get cozy.
β
Comfort food - It's the perfect season for sharing soul-soothing soups, pastas, casseroles, and slow cooker recipes. Navy Bean Soup and Chicken Chili are two of my family's favorite soups.
β
Navy bean soup with bacon and Parmesan
β
Extra light - As the days get shorter, I try to add more light to the days. It might be just a bit of time sitting outside in the sunshine, lighting candles inside, or making a fire in the fireplace. β βBeing outside - Often the best ten minutes of my day are the evenings I wrap up in a blanket, go outside with our dog Hazel, and look at the stars while she roots around the yard.
β
β
β
Unplugging and engaging - My friend Leslie unwinds by doing jigsaw puzzles, Laura watches the birds and squirrels in the back yard, and Pam is a crafter who makes greeting cards. I love curling up and losing myself in a good book.
β
A cozy hat - You may know that heat escapes from the head in cold weather, so wearing a hat on chilly days helps us stay much warmer.
β
Trying on warm hats with my daughter Gracie
β
Soft clothes - Forget tight jeans! November calls for comfy pants, warm slippers, and slouchy sweaters.
β
Time to think - I've been pondering the transition from 2025 to 2026, looking back on all that happened this year, and considering where my focus should be in the year ahead -- and beyond.
β
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, suggests spending some time each day on two things:
β
Working toward something that will pay off years from now.
Appreciating something that is happening right now.
β
I'm thinking and praying about the future, even though so many things feel up in the air.
β
What am I grateful for right now? So many things, but especially friends, family, and this wonderful community.
β
How About You?
β
What are your ideas and thoughts about being kind to yourself this holiday season?
β
Drop me a note at elizagcross@gmail.com. I'd love to hear and share your stories.
β
In the midst of uncertainty and change, may we all enjoy these beautiful November days,
Welcome! Happy Simple Living's Easy Times newsletter helps busy people simplify with easy recipes and tips for creating a comfy home, organic gardening, saving money, living a simpler life, enjoying holidays, and having more fun!
β