{"id":6174,"date":"2025-12-09T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/?p=6174"},"modified":"2025-12-02T11:58:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T18:58:14","slug":"choosing-a-quieter-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/12\/09\/choosing-a-quieter-december\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a Quieter December"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How I will be honoring analog habits, and the slower side of learning through crafts, books, and home rhythms. It&#8217;s the cozy reset my brain needs.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While working on my <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mark-s-school104.teachable.com\/l\/pdp\/how-to-build-a-personal-curriculum\">Personal Curriculum online course<\/a>, there was an afternoon when I was also thinking ahead into the next few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Lesson 2 we discuss and break down <a href=\"https:\/\/mark-s-school104.teachable.com\/l\/pdp\/how-to-build-a-personal-curriculum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Key Elements of a Syllabus<\/a>. Step 7 is creating personal curriculum policies written with self-kindness in mind. The one that jumped out at me when I was reviewing my class notes was #5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Quiet Season Policy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some stretches of time are for absorbing, not producing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listening and noticing are forms of learning, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I gave myself some time to focus on that idea and think about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What would that look like for me to apply a <strong><em>Quiet Season Policy<\/em><\/strong> in the month of December?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How can I practice what I teach in this area?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I let those questions simmer and then did some journaling the next morning. (Actually it was a bit more like messy brainstorm-list-making, but anyway\u2026\ud83d\ude1c)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I am sure you have noticed, I have a love for analog tools. I find when my brain is swimming with tasks, or I want to plan out my week, that analog is my way back to calm and feeling like my grounded self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>      [Like this post: <a href=\"https:\/\/embracinghome.substack.com\/p\/my-notebook-secrets-revealed?r=1qjcbv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">my notebook secrets revealed\ud83d\udcd1<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My love for analog ways is especially strong in the winter season. The desire to make tangible things takes over. I want to bake, knit, decorate, sketch, read hardcover books, make homemade bread, and stir a slow-simmering soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My writing life has expanded the last few months as I tackled the project of putting together my first online course. [<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mark-s-school104.teachable.com\/l\/pdp\/how-to-build-a-personal-curriculum\">all about Personal Curriculum!<\/a>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And now to balance things out, I will be taking a step back from long hours and late evenings at my laptop writing and researching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I plan to switch to more analog modes of learning and enjoyment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like slowing down in the evenings with handicrafts made while on the couch with a Christmas blanket, hot tea, and winter Regency Romance novels on audio. \ud83c\udfa7\ud83e\uddf6\ud83c\udf75<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out my Personal Curriculum post for this month to see what reading and learning goals I have. You\u2019ll notice there is an extra measure of slowness to my plans and my reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\ud83c\udf84<strong>\ud83d\uddd2\ufe0f<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/embracinghome.substack.com\/p\/my-december-personal-curriculum-plans?r=1qjcbv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>My December Personal Curriculum Plans<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>My online quiet season also looks more socially in-person as my college kids return home for a few weeks and we host extra Christmas events in our home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I will also be spending more time in the kitchen making delicious meals and goodies, as well as family favorite Christmas cookie recipes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"image-link image2 is-viewable-img\" href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1640097922288-0ed0aaee2eea?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wzMDAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMXx8Y2hyaXN0bWFzJTIwa25pdHRpbmd8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY0NjIyNjQ4fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1631\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1640097922288-0ed0aaee2eea.jpg\" alt=\"a green knitted scarf with a red vase of flowers\" class=\"wp-image-6176\" title=\"a green knitted scarf with a red vase of flowers\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1640097922288-0ed0aaee2eea.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1640097922288-0ed0aaee2eea-199x300.jpg 199w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1640097922288-0ed0aaee2eea-678x1024.jpg 678w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1640097922288-0ed0aaee2eea-768x1160.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1640097922288-0ed0aaee2eea-1017x1536.jpg 1017w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@nika_benedictova\">Nika Benedictova<\/a> on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As I shared in a Note last week, <strong>I have reached 400 subscribers!<\/strong> \ud83d\ude03\ud83c\udf89<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am so thrilled that my writing is resonating with so many people. It is such a joy to be here and encounter so many who are creative, avid readers, full of curiosity and wanting to build authentic community online. Just logging into Substack makes me smile. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This writing journey has been full of ups, downs and unexpected milestones. Check out <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/open.substack.com\/pub\/embracinghome\/p\/100-subscribers-milestones-and-my?r=1qjcbv&amp;utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;showWelcomeOnShare=false\">this post from last December<\/a> to see how much has changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For years I wrote on my blog only to feel that I was shouting into the lonely, empty void of the internet. Now I feel like I am in a cozy neighborhood surrounded by people who care.\ud83e\ude75 I love it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So I just want you to know that I think of each of you when I write. To me, 400 is not just a number but actual individuals who take time to read. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I deeply appreciate your encouragement, kind comments, and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"image-link image2 is-viewable-img\" href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1549032305-e816fabf0dd2?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wzMDAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHx0aGFuayUyMHlvdXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjQ2MjY1MDJ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1549032305-e816fabf0dd2.jpg\" alt=\"thanks! paper and black pen on wood surface\" class=\"wp-image-6177\" title=\"thanks! paper and black pen on wood surface\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1549032305-e816fabf0dd2.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1549032305-e816fabf0dd2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1549032305-e816fabf0dd2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1549032305-e816fabf0dd2-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@kellysikkema\">Kelly Sikkema<\/a> on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><em>My January Plans &#8211;<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since we are friends, I\u2019ll give you a peek into my messy handwritten lists for next month \ud83d\uddd2\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>a Commonplace notes story with detailed examples to apply<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>my January Personal Curriculum post<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>more about my study type and how I make it work for my busy life<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>sharing some insights from my <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/mark-s-school104.teachable.com\/l\/pdp\/how-to-build-a-personal-curriculum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Personal Curriculum online course<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>tips on clearing mental fog &amp; gaining clarity<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>collaborations with other Substack writers?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>I love the freshness and momentum of the New Year! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Make sure you are on my subscriber list!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/embracinghome.substack.com\/\">Subscribe to Embracing Home<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"image-link image2 is-viewable-img\" href=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1609023537806-5cf023ecb0ea?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wzMDAzMzh8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMDh8fGNocmlzdG1hc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjQ1MzY5NDJ8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.1.0&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1620\" src=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1609023537806-5cf023ecb0ea.jpg\" alt=\"gold christmas baubles on green christmas tree\" class=\"wp-image-6178\" title=\"gold christmas baubles on green christmas tree\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1609023537806-5cf023ecb0ea.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1609023537806-5cf023ecb0ea-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1609023537806-5cf023ecb0ea-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1609023537806-5cf023ecb0ea-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/photo-1609023537806-5cf023ecb0ea-1024x1536.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@alsyshka\">Alsu Vershinina<\/a> on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope to come back from my quiet season with renewed excitement and fresh ideas to share with you all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>May this December be full of joy, great conversations, and wonderful food for each of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83c\udf84<em>Merry Christmas!<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a class=\"image-link image2\" href=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!X3c0!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2848e3d2-ceab-4b23-a30f-4fd86fb701ba_1344x256.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!X3c0!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2848e3d2-ceab-4b23-a30f-4fd86fb701ba_1344x256.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:641px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How I will be honoring analog habits, and the slower side of learning through crafts, books, and home rhythms. It&#8217;s the cozy reset my brain needs. . While working on my Personal Curriculum online course, there was an afternoon when I was also thinking ahead into the next few months. In Lesson 2 we discuss&hellip; <\/p>\n<div class=\"readmore-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/2025\/12\/09\/choosing-a-quieter-december\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read <\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stc_notifier_status":"sent","_stc_notifier_sent_time":"2025-12-09 04:40:30","_stc_notifier_request":false,"_stc_notifier_prevent":false,"_stc_subscriber_keywords":"","_stc_subscriber_search_areas":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[692,37],"tags":[49,217,222,220,722,559,305,721,712,485,695,178,706,50],"class_list":["post-6174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-intellectually-alive","category-seasonal-planning","tag-books","tag-christmas","tag-christmas-season","tag-december","tag-december-planning","tag-growth","tag-learning","tag-my-learning","tag-my-personal-curriculum-plan","tag-my-reading","tag-personal-curriculum","tag-personal-growth","tag-personal-learning","tag-reading-stack"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6174"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6174\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6182,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6174\/revisions\/6182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6174"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6174"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}