12/20/2025
Hello Love,
As I write this note, I’m sitting in 33-degree shade listening to birdsong in the Yarra Valley in Australia. It’s eye-opening to spend holiday time in the southern hemisphere. There’s an energy of newness, excitement, and momentum.
But in the northern hemisphere (where I’ll be making the 30+hour trek back to in two days), despite the constant narrative of “New Year, New You!” and go, go, go, the energy is demanding for us to slow down, reflect, rest, and RECOVER from a year that, for many, felt quite heavy.
In my quest for balance and sanity (whatever that means), the bulk of the holiday dinner in Toronto will be a charcuterie board; the holiday presents were mostly practical, and everyone got socks and new backpacks.
But my favourite intentional boundary of this solstice? I will be making NO MAJOR CHANGES during winter.
Animals are hibernating and conserving food and energy. The grass and trees are going dormant and recovering quietly. These are the months to take our cues from our greatest teacher, the earth. Find ways to be as efficient as possible, think about how you can do the bare minimum and still get the basics done.
If you are feeling the energy of new beginnings and momentum, go for it!
But for those of us who are not, where can you create more rest?
What can you remove from your to-do list?
What in your life can you politely (or impolitely) decline?
Who gets your energy for this season, and who will have to wait?
Make yourself some tea.
During this solstice time, wear your comfiest clothes and daydream as much as possible.
Yes, daydream. Experiment in nothingness and silence.
Walk in fresh snow with no particular destination.
Quiet-quit until Spring, a season that will naturally imbue you with the energy of renewal.
Observe what happens in your body without judging or coming up with an immediate plan.
Wishing you all the chillest (not in temperature, but in vibe) of Winter Solstice and the safest and coziest of New Year’s.
Big love,
~ Crystal
