Petite Pause no. 18

Tiny joys, soft routines, and the sweetest start to December

Your end-of-week scroll break. A cozy little catch-up full of links, loves, and things I can’t stop talking about. A spark of inspiration you didn’t know you needed.

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We made it to December, friends. The softest month, the sparkliest month, the one where everything slows down just enough to notice the glow again. This week felt like the perfect mix of chilly mornings, twinkle-light evenings, and tiny rituals that made me breathe a little deeper.

December feels like a natural moment to pause, look around, and take stock of what’s actually supporting me. Not in a performative, reset-your-life way, but in a quieter, steadier sense. After a fall that felt full in every direction, I kept noticing how much my days improved when I returned to the smallest, simplest things. The habits that hold me upright, the rituals that make my life feel like my own, the choices that nudge me back into alignment. Today I’m sharing the ones that have truly stayed with me, the grounding rhythms I reach for even when my schedule is chaotic or my energy is thin. Consider them tiny anchors, the kind that make room for presence without demanding perfection.

Here’s a cozy little pause for your Friday…

A Simple Holiday Recipe We Made This Week

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix (kid-approved) - It’s literally just three things. Cocoa powder, sugar, crushed candy canes. Stir it into warm milk and you get the coziest, mintiest cup. My kids called it “Christmas cocoa,” which I might adopt permanently.

It also makes the cutest neighbor gift. Just fill a jar, add ribbon, done.

A Kid-Friendly Activity for Your Weekend

We made paper snowflakes with leftover printer paper and hung them across the dining room windows. Zero prep, zero cleanup (…mostly), maximum magic. Add Christmas music and suddenly it’s a Hallmark montage.

A Glimmer From This Week

The sun hit the living room just right around 4:12 p.m. That honey-soft light pouring through the blinds, and my daughter looked up from her puzzle and said, “It feels like the sun is cozy today.” I swear kids say the truest things.

A Few Things on my Wish List ✨

Just a handful of cozy, slightly indulgent things I’ve been eyeing this season. Nothing extravagant, just little luxuries that make winter feel softer, warmer, and a tiny bit more sparkly. Consider this my personal collage of comfort: pieces that support slow mornings, pretty routines, and the kind of everyday joy that makes December feel magical.

Quilted Velvet Cosmetic Bag | BOGG BAG | Beaded Icon Bag | Scallop Scarf | Fuzzy Faux Fur Slippers | Lidded Stoneware Mug | Bubble Letter Monogram Necklace | Peptide Lip Tint Nourishing Glaze | Beanie & Scarf Set | UGG Classic Mini Boots | Bose Flex Portable Bluetooth Speaker | Silver Petit Moyen | Blush Balm Trio

Soft Rituals for a Slow December

This week I’ve been craving the smallest, easiest rituals, the ones that don’t demand anything from me except a breath and a little bit of presence. December always asks us to speed up, but I’m gently choosing the opposite whenever I can.

Here are a few soft practices I’m leaning into as we move through this last month of the year:

Mental Soft Glow Up

• reflecting on how I’ve grown (even in the messy seasons)

• choosing one evening to fully unplug and slow down

• writing down a few things I’m grateful for

• taking vitamin D to support my mood

• creating a vision board that feels true to who I actually am right now

Physical Soft Glow Up

• drinking hot tea throughout the day

• switching to a richer winter moisturizer

• moving slowly. stretching, pilates, or a cozy walk

• protecting my peace with real rest

• wearing soft, comfortable clothes that make me feel grounded

A Simple Winter Rhythm

• start your morning with something warm in your hands

• light a seasonal candle to set the tone

• nourish yourself with cozy food (oatmeal, pancakes, eggs, whatever feels comforting)

A handful of gentle rituals for a month that can feel heavy and hurried. I’m reminding myself that small things count. Small things add up!

None of these habits are revolutionary, and maybe that’s the point. They don’t overhaul my life or fix every wobble, they simply help me return to myself, over and over again, in the middle of real days with real responsibilities. As we move into the final stretch of the year, I’m holding onto the belief that care doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful. Sometimes the smallest rituals make the biggest difference. If you try any of these, or if you already have your own grounding practices, I’d love to hear about them. Here’s to a gentle December, a softer pace, and the rhythms that keep us steady.

Substacks I enjoyed this week

A Nourished Girl’s Guide to December - Hannah has such a gift for making wellness feel gentle and inviting rather than overwhelming. Her December guide is like a deep breath for anyone craving a softer season, part ritual, part reflection, part cozy reset. If you want a month rooted in nourishment, rest, and really being in your life, this is the one to read.

Overbooked Mama, What I Read in November 2025 - I always look forward to Kuleigh’s monthly reading wrap-ups, and this one is packed with so many gems. We buddy-read Hamnet together last month, so seeing it show up as a five-star read made my heart swell and The Irish Goodbye is at the tippy top of my TBR after her review. If you want thoughtful mini-reviews that actually help you decide what to pick up next, this post is such a good place to start.

Festive reading recommendations - If you’re craving a little holiday magic in your reading life, Michelle’s latest post is such a gem. Her festive TBR, bookish gift list, and access to her full Holiday Reading Guide are giving me all the cozy December energy. Truly the perfect companion for anyone building a Christmas stack this year.

I Read 122 Christmas Books. Here Are My Top 24! - Jules curated years of holiday reading into a list that feels both nostalgic and deeply intentional. It’s such a good reminder that Christmas reading isn’t about how many books we can cram into December, but about choosing the stories that make the season feel richer. Her top 24 picks feel like a true gift for anyone wanting their reading to actually matter.

The Second Act is an entirely reader-supported publication written and created by Danielle Wraith. Click here to subscribe or gift a friend a subscription here (if a friend sent you this —tell them thanks!). Anything you want covered? Questions? Reply with a comment below! You can also find me on Instagram. Please come say hi!