Winter reflection and rest; finishing the year softly
Inviting winter reflection and softness, in amongst the busy energy of the end of the year
As the year draws to a close, there seems to be an unspoken pressure to finish strong. We feel the collective momentum of the season urging us to complete projects, tie up loose ends and gather with friends and family in a flurry of festive activity. Any intention to create a space for winter reflection and rest can go out of the window in December, a month where the sparkliness of everything can lure us in and tempt us to over extend ourselves.
If you’re new here I’m Laura, a counsellor, nature therapist, somatic therapist, meditation teacher and a Pagan priestess. My offerings are all about supporting you to connect with yourself and the world around you.
As I update this post, which I do for each of my seasonal posts every year, I’m reflecting that I said something similar in my post about the Summer Solstice. When there is an excess of light, we need to be intentional about consciously turning inward, to make sure our quieter rhythms are also being honoured. I love the lights, the ritual and the gatherings of Winter and Christmas, but I’ve learned that I also need winter’s rest.
Since I have been more intentional about living cyclically in accordance with nature, the seasons and my own energy, I’ve found more balance with this. I remind myself often that Spring’s arrival will be a while yet, and that there needs to be space for rest and reflection, as well as sparkly lights and celebration. What might it be like to explore the rest of the year through a lens of softness, reflection, and winter’s rest?
The myths of "finishing strong" and “new year, new me”
It’s always interesting to me that December has such a different energy to the rest of Winter. The holidays bring joy, celebration and connection and I LOVE Christmas, yule and the winter solstice but I also really notice how the energy of it can feel like it demands a lot from us. Society tells us that we should end the year with momentum and enter the next one as a "new" version of ourselves, but nature tells a different story.
The earth, right now, is deep in winter reflections and rest. The trees have shed their leaves. The soil is dark and still. Life is quietly gathering strength below the surface. The energy of the season is inwardly focussed, asking us to pause, rest and restore rather than push forward relentlessly. This time of year can be a space for gentleness and introspection; a chance to honour the need for rest, self-care, and nourishment.
Winter is not a time for striving; it’s a time for gestation. A time to gather warmth and wisdom before the next turning of the wheel. It’s no wonder so many of us feel drained by the end of the year. Honouring winter means listening to the parts of ourselves that ask for slower mornings, gentler days and space to just be.
Finishing softly and winter reflection
As we approach the threshold of a new calendar year, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a new season. While the Winter Solstice marks the rebirth of the sun, the light returns slowly. The natural world teaches us that winter is not a time for new beginnings. Instead, it’s a time for consolidation, reflection and restoration of our energy in preparation for spring.
When we choose to honour winter rest, to slow down, reflect and replenish, we align ourselves with the natural rhythm of life. Rest is not laziness. It’s preparation. It’s sacred groundwork for what comes next. While the world outside rushes toward newness, we can choose softness. Light a candle, wrap yourself in a cosy blanket and allow this time be a space for integration. Can you arrive gently at the end of the year, knowing that growth will come in its own time?
Long nights and cold days offer us a chance to focus inward, to process the year that’s passed and to take stock of our lives. This doesn’t mean ignoring our aspirations or avoiding growth. Instead, can we give ourselves the grace to rest before the inevitable burst of energy that comes with spring?
How to create space for softness and nourishment in December
When we think about the themes of the winter solstice, which I talk about in more detail here, we can see how a call to bring light into the darkness aligns with how we celebrate Christmas. December is a month that can feel overwhelmingly busy. From preparing for the holidays to managing end-of-year work responsibilities, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of stress and over-scheduling. But in all of the chaos there are simple, powerful ways to create space for more softness, slowness and for winter reflection.
Take some time each day to reflect: find a quiet corner, light a candle, and sit with your thoughts. This practice can help you release the pressure to do and invite you to simply be.
Prioritise rest and sleep: it’s easy to sacrifice rest during the busy holiday season, but winter is meant to be a time of restoration.
Simplify your holiday plans: saying no to some invitations and commitments allows you to preserve your energy and gives you the space to recharge. Remember: quality over quantity.
Cultivate self-compassion: be kind to yourself during this time, acknowledging that you don’t always need to be "on". Allow yourself moments of rest and peace without guilt and allow yourself the space to think about what you need and what might nourish you.
Finishing softly and embracing winter as a time for restoration
As you move through winter, can you lean into the idea that we’re still held within winter’s quiet embrace; a time for stillness, not striving. Instead of rushing to the finish line, can you slow down and gather strength for what’s ahead? Embrace this season of rest, reflection and renewal. Spring will be here soon enough. fFor now, let yourself soften into the pause.
If you’d like to explore other resources to support you in your winter reflection, check out these posts:
Celebrating Yule & the Winter Solstice: reflecting on renewal and hope
