Mindful Moments: November

It is the eve of the holiday season here in our world, and more widely for lots of people too, I suppose. But in the small business world, mid-November is the calm (or chaos) before the storm, and this year I’m feelin it bad.

It feels amply more anticipatory, more anxiety inducing, more bountiful this year because I’m pretty close to meeting my second baby (after the holidays) and I’m playing a very dangerous game of working hard to do the most that I can before baby comes, and not pushing myself so hard that the baby decides to make his appearance early. We’re just trying to get through the holidays, friends. That’s all I’m asking Santa for this year.

Thanksgiving is also my most favorite of all the holidays. Partially because it’s the start of the fun glittery twinkly light season, and also because I love the food, I love the company, I love the sentiments of this holiday that aren’t so caught up in the commerical-ness of the rest of the season. It’s cozy and warm and nourishing and bountiful, and it’s all that I can ask for in a day.

This month’s Candle Club members are getting the scent of the season: Bounty, plus a little ornament to go with it. I love dried oranges and cinnamon sticks. You can hang them for good vibes or even stew it on the stove to get even more Thanksgiving-y scents (maybe great especially if you aren’t hosting this year).

Mindful Moments for this November. Here’s what I am—

Seeing: Early holiday decor and I’m not mad about it! I think we all cling to the holidays in tough times and this year has been another challenging one in both our communities and across the globe. The thing about this Earth and our existence is that we are all interconnected. Sorrow is shared, we have a collective spirit, and the privilege of living where we might with what we have doesn’t separate us completely from the rest of the world. I’ve been adding a little holiday spirit here and there in my home too, clinging a little, creating a little more light to spread right now.

Hearing: The Sopranos theme song on repeat. Neither my husband nor I ever saw the show when it was relevant. We were a bit too young for it, and he opposed watching it for so long because coming from a very New York Italian family, he’s been called the name of every character on that show since forever lol, but it’s so very good. Much nicer music to be stuck in my head than baby songs lol.

Tasting: Apples, still. I learned to make an apple crumb cake, and while the constant treat of handing bebe an apple slice to charm and amuse her might be coming to the end, I’m drinking up this phase of life while I can. I did also get my mom to make her Thanksgiving pumpkin roll for us early, because little bebe in my belly has a very sweet tooth, also not mad about it!

Smelling: Wildberry pine. Very Christmasy, but also so nice for Thanksgiving. We call this scent Bounty in the shop and it feels especially appropriate right now. I made an announcement a little bit ago that next year I’ll be taking a wee step back next year with my wee ones, and this season feels like celebrating the growth, the abundance, the Bounty of all that we’ve created over the last 13 years. As we move into the holiday season, I’m feeling celebratory, thankful, and ready to tackle everything.

Feeling: soft yarn. I’m back on my knitting and making game for the holidays. Sometimes for the shop, other times for me, for gifts, for decorations. I love making things for the holidays.

Thanks so much for being here, friends! Get 10% off your first Candle Club membership with the code “INTHECLUB” at check-out. Makes a lovely gift. <3