My beloved daughter visited for three days and we were joined by my equally beloved son and DIL for Christmas Day. Now on the 26th, they’ve all headed back to their homes. The house is silent, and still in some disarray with things out of place, dirty breakfast dishes in the sink, laundry waiting. I’ve spent the last hour sitting with my tea, listening to the house resettle around me. The cat has given in to overstimulation and is sleeping in my lap. A nap is coming for me too. All is well.
I love this beause it names something we seldom give language to—the necessary slack in the system.
The in-between isn’t empty time; it’s a time for integration. Nothing new should be demanded of us here because something quieter is already happening underneath: digestion of experience, emotional bookkeeping, the body catching up to the calendar.
I especially appreciate the permission not to optimize the pause. Letting hours pass unaccounted for feels almost transgressive now, which probably tells us how badly we need it.
Peace in the pause indeed. This week doesn’t ask us to become anything—only to arrive where we already are.
I really needed to hear this, then I realized yesterday I did not worry about meals or being productive. I read napped and only ate when I felt like it! It felt luxurious and nourishing with no self incrimination!
Thanks. Love the week between the holidays. Time for resting, reading, and hiking (unless it’s sleeting). Nothing like wet slushy snow to send me home in a hurry! That’s my favorite place to be so thanks to the sleet, here I am!
Great article. Kind of reminds me of Be Here Now which I guess I first heard from Ram Dass in the 70s. Today this meant for me doing a couple of things I hadn't done in a long time - enjoying the hot tub at my gym and then sauna. Refreshing mentally and physically
I do love the sense of renewal this time of year. Puzzles, crosswords and coffee cake for me today while I take in the dusting of snow outside. Or not. “Integration” is a great word for this unique week.
The way the article was written - not the content but the words, the structure, the written creativity - totally relaxed me. Thank you for that, and for your suggestions. Wishing you a very happy new year, and a peaceful 2026 🩷
Love this, and it is so true, thank you.
My beloved daughter visited for three days and we were joined by my equally beloved son and DIL for Christmas Day. Now on the 26th, they’ve all headed back to their homes. The house is silent, and still in some disarray with things out of place, dirty breakfast dishes in the sink, laundry waiting. I’ve spent the last hour sitting with my tea, listening to the house resettle around me. The cat has given in to overstimulation and is sleeping in my lap. A nap is coming for me too. All is well.
I love this beause it names something we seldom give language to—the necessary slack in the system.
The in-between isn’t empty time; it’s a time for integration. Nothing new should be demanded of us here because something quieter is already happening underneath: digestion of experience, emotional bookkeeping, the body catching up to the calendar.
I especially appreciate the permission not to optimize the pause. Letting hours pass unaccounted for feels almost transgressive now, which probably tells us how badly we need it.
Peace in the pause indeed. This week doesn’t ask us to become anything—only to arrive where we already are.
I have always loved “the space between” as transition space but never thought of it in relation to the week after Christmas. This was really helpful!
I really needed to hear this, then I realized yesterday I did not worry about meals or being productive. I read napped and only ate when I felt like it! It felt luxurious and nourishing with no self incrimination!
Awww
Thanks. Love the week between the holidays. Time for resting, reading, and hiking (unless it’s sleeting). Nothing like wet slushy snow to send me home in a hurry! That’s my favorite place to be so thanks to the sleet, here I am!
Great article. Kind of reminds me of Be Here Now which I guess I first heard from Ram Dass in the 70s. Today this meant for me doing a couple of things I hadn't done in a long time - enjoying the hot tub at my gym and then sauna. Refreshing mentally and physically
I do love the sense of renewal this time of year. Puzzles, crosswords and coffee cake for me today while I take in the dusting of snow outside. Or not. “Integration” is a great word for this unique week.
Very good, I love the freedom to let go of expectations and just experience the experience of living.
The way the article was written - not the content but the words, the structure, the written creativity - totally relaxed me. Thank you for that, and for your suggestions. Wishing you a very happy new year, and a peaceful 2026 🩷
Thank you, l appreciate the feedback! Happy New Year! ❤️
Thank you, l appreciate the feedback! Happy New Year! ❤️
This is such timely advice🌹