T H E / Q U I E T / I N / B E T W E E N

After a frenzy of heightened weeks leading up to Christmas. The lists, the shopping, the call to action from tablescapes to tree decor, to present wrapping, wreath making, chutney jars, guest bedding and more. It accumulates layers of hidden stresses if we aren’t watchful. Then in hours it is over. Discarded Gravy smeared plates, curled open crackers, currant bottomed wine glasses, tinsel and crumpled napkins. Empty seats that look like everyone left in a rush. A quiet descends. Unlike the days before where the bustle of pots being banged by hurried spoons stirring, watching ripplets as steam rises on the windows. Background Christmas jingles on a loop. Bored kids and snoring relatives. That mix of clutter similar to a jumble sale raid. Televisions flickering in the background with the classics from era’s long ago.

Seeping into Boxing day. The reluctant cousin performing in the shadows. A last effort to eek out that party spirit and use up the leftovers. A cheese board and wine. Hungover guests who lingered on. More subdued with bellies that grumble from the onslaught of too much food, rich, processed and mingled with fruit cake. Open houses and friends popping by, that almost forced jollity to embrace the season of goodwill whilst secretly worrying about the energy bill and dwindling money pot.

Then it’s the quiet in between. That lull between now and the next big show of New Year’s Eve. Where everything settles like dust glitter on a sunny day. Folk ease into chairs to read and rest. Youngsters play with their toys, keen to still devour the remaining chocolates. Young adults snore till midday then raid the fridge for scraps, blurry eyed dreaming of their perfect take away.

Boots get pulled on as the rush of cold air enters the warm house fog. Keys jangle amongst the symphony of coat zips and woolen hats. Everyone seems ready to leave the chaos of dishes and clothes pile behind. Closing the door in the hope of escaping what inevitably will still be there when they return from their walk.

We get pulled out of routine. We seem to breathe that little bit easier. We reflect because we have time. We make plans. We write goals. We look at our lives and homes and see more clearly what we might change. We have that precious buffer, away from the constant demands, of a world at full throttle. Even the night air seems to let out a sigh.

Relish this quiet in between. Ease yourself into a brand New year on your terms. I’ll be found having fireside conversations with those I love with a simple platter of delicious cheese, chutney and homemade bread. Reflecting on a difficult year but highlighting the the glimmers that happened along the way. Our woven fabric called life.

Wishing you a harmonious and peaceful beginning to 2026. May you find resilience and strength through the tough days and feel blessed by the smallest of moments that grace your path on the good ones.