A pause before the holidays begin

Gentle prompts to help you find calm, clarity, and feel good about where you are

Hi friends,

I’ve often thought the way we structure time is a little wonky.

Isn’t it cruel that we’re told to “finish the year strong” right while also winding down for the holidays? Wouldn’t it make more sense if the calendar started in spring, when everything feels alive again, instead of at the darkest, most exhausting time of year?

And don’t even get me started on Daylight Saving!

Despite having more opportunities and resources than ever, most of us still feel a daily sense of overwhelm. That’s not how the holidays are supposed to be!

To truly enjoy the season, I was reminded that we need to get intentional about what we want (and don’t want) in the weeks ahead.

Whether you love to journal, sketch, reflect over a cup of tea, or discuss at your dinner table, here are ten gentle prompts to help you wrap up the year with meaning, setting yourself up for a calm and happy holiday season.

I’m so grateful for the paid subscribers who make it possible to keep most posts free for everyone. This one’s a little thank-you — a bonus post to show my appreciation. 🫶

If you’ve been enjoying Inspiration Everywhere and want access to the rest of this piece (plus the full archive), consider becoming a paid subscriber. You’ll also receive special downloads throughout the year, including the latest, a printable 2026 calendar to help you start dreaming ahead.

🎁 Holiday season prompts

• Describe your ideal holiday day: What are you doing, who are you seeing, where are you going?