Innehållsförteckning för December 2025 från Root and Rise

Hello Wonderful Folks, There is something quietly magical about December that many of us only notice when life finally slows down. The early evenings, the long nights and that gentle December hush can feel like a gift if we let it. Dark days often get a bad reputation, especially when the world keeps telling us to rush into celebration mode. But this season invites us to do the opposite. It invites us to breathe, to rest a little deeper than usual and to sit with our own thoughts without guilt. Parents often joke that silence is suspicious, but in December it can be sacred. This is the perfect moment to simply settle in, sip something warm and let the quiet remind you of parts of yourself you may have ignored…

Last year I did something that surprised even me. I spent Christmas alone on purpose. No big family dinner, no rushing around buying last minute gifts and no pretending I was not tired. I told my friends I needed a reset and honestly I expected to feel lonely. But on Christmas morning, as I made coffee in complete silence, something in me softened. I felt calm in a way I had not felt in years. I watched an old movie, I cooked a simple meal and I even took a long walk in the cold. It felt like the world finally stopped shouting. A reader named Sarah Mitchell shared that her own solo Christmas felt like stepping into a quiet version of herself she had forgotten. She said the stillness…

There is something comforting about waking up on a cold winter morning and remembering that breakfast is already done. Overnight oats have become a favorite for many adults because they are simple, nourishing and surprisingly flexible. This winter version uses cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to bring warmth and a little aroma to your morning. Parents appreciate anything that saves time and this recipe lets you toss everything together the night before so you can glide through the early hours without stressing about what to eat. The spices also help lift your mood which is pretty helpful when the sun decides to rise late and you are still half asleep trying to pack lunch boxes. To prepare the base, you only need rolled oats, milk or any plant milk, a spoon…

A very gentle, restful sequence of supported poses to be done in the evening to calm the nervous system and promote deep, restorative sleep. A soft forward fold that melts tension in the back and shoulders while helping the mind shift into a quieter, sleepy state. An effortless, grounding position that eases heavy legs and slows your breathing so your body can drift toward rest. A gentle heart opening pose that releases the hips and creates a warm, spacious feeling in the chest, perfect for winding down. A calm seated stretch that relaxes the spine and invites the nervous system to settle before bedtime. A comforting twist that loosens the lower back and encourages deep, steady breathing for peaceful sleep.…

There is something strangely comforting about discovering that deep rest does not always require perfect meditation skills. Many adults struggle to sit still with their thoughts and honestly, the idea of clearing the mind can feel like a joke on busy days. Non Sleep Deep Rest, also known as NSDR, offers a gentler way in. It is a practice that invites your body into a state of deep relaxation while your mind stays lightly aware. Think of it like that dreamy space right before sleep when everything feels softer. Yoga Nidra is one of the most popular NSDR techniques and it guides you through slow breathing and body awareness so your nervous system finally gets permission to settle. For parents and adults who carry constant tension, NSDR can feel like…

Parents, if you are tired of the holiday scramble, start by choosing one tiny ritual that feels doable, not Pinterest perfect. Think lighting a single candle before dinner, reading a short poem together, or sending one postcard to a far away relative. These slow family traditions build family connection over time because they are simple and repeatable. When kids know what to expect, the small ritual itself becomes the story, and it outlives the latest toy or trend. Keep it low fuss, and you will actually do it, promise. Next, make space for wonder rather than presents. Try an evening walk where everyone looks for three quiet things that sparkle, or a shoebox of sentimental objects that gets opened each year. These mindful holiday traditions create memory without consumerism, and…

There is something comforting about curling up with a thoughtful book when the evenings stretch longer and the air feels a bit more still. Many parents tell me that winter reading feels different, almost like the season gives them permission to slow down and dive into stories that touch the heart. A lovely place to begin is poetry, and Mary Oliver’s Devotions is a warm companion for quiet nights. If you want something gentle but wise, Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights brings small everyday moments into bright focus. Fiction lovers might enjoy Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House which has a calm, reflective mood perfect for late evenings. These kinds of books support emotional wellness and winter mindfulness without feeling heavy. For deeper contemplation, you could try Pico Iyer’s The…

Winter has a way of reminding us that slowing down is not a failure, it is actually part of the natural rhythm of life. Yet every year, as soon as December wraps up, many adults feel pressured to rush into New Year goals and productivity plans. It is almost like the world expects us to leap out of bed on January first with a fresh notebook and perfect motivation, while most of us are still recovering from holiday cooking and family chaos. Nature is doing something very different at this time of year. The trees are resting, the earth is still and animals are curled in. So maybe the smarter choice is not to hustle but to pause. Many parents feel exhausted by the constant demand to be busy and…

There is something powerful about the longest night of the year, a kind of quiet magic that encourages us to sit still and actually hear our own thoughts. A simple candle ritual on the winter solstice can help parents and adults pause long enough to breathe and let go of the stuff that has been weighing them down. Start by choosing one calm corner at home, even if that means claiming the bathroom for ten minutes because the kids are arguing over a charger again. Light a single candle and let the warm glow settle your mind. Many wellness experts say that fire energy helps the brain shift into a reflective state, which is why people often stare at fireplaces without even knowing why. Let the flicker slow your pace…

Winter always brings that moment when you feel the first tickle in your throat and immediately panic that a cold is creeping in. Many parents reach for quick fixes but traditional herbal recipes can offer a simple and surprisingly powerful boost. Fire Cider has been around for ages and is loved for its warming and energising effect. It is made by soaking garlic, onion, ginger, turmeric and chilli in apple cider vinegar, then straining it after a few weeks. The mix sounds wild but trust me, one small spoon can wake you up faster than your morning coffee. The ingredients support immunity and digestion and they give your body a gentle push to stay strong in the cold. Elderberry syrup is the calmer cousin. You simmer dried elderberries with cinnamon…

There is something strangely soothing about stepping outside on a cold winter morning when the world feels quiet and half asleep. Many parents tell me they forget how calming a simple walk can be because life gets busy and winter feels like the season to huddle indoors forever. But with the right layering, you can turn a chilly stroll into a grounding moving meditation. Start with a soft inner layer, then a warm sweater, then a weather friendly outer layer. Nothing fancy, just enough to keep the breeze from bossing you around. Once you feel warm and comfortable, slow your pace. Pay attention to your steps, your breath and the sounds around you. This gentle rhythm calms the nervous system and gives your thoughts space to settle, almost like you…

Many adults already struggle with winter sleep because the long nights make our bodies crave deeper rest, yet our screens keep pulling us in again and again. Dr. Laura Greene, a digital wellness expert, explains that blue light can confuse the brain and make it think it is still daytime, which slows down the natural release of melatonin. So if you are wondering why you feel wired at midnight even after a busy day, your phone might be the culprit. A helpful trick is to create a digital sunset each evening. This means reducing screen time at least an hour before bed and swapping it for something gentler like reading, stretching or even chatting with your kids about their day. Many parents say this simple shift helps the whole family…

Many adults step into January with a list of resolutions that look shiny for about three days before real life shows up with laundry, kids shouting for snacks and a schedule that refuses to behave. This is exactly why so many people are shifting toward intentions instead. An intention feels softer and kinder. It gives you direction without making you feel guilty if you move slowly. Think of it like choosing a guiding word that supports you, instead of making promises you secretly know you will forget the moment work emails start flooding in. Setting an intention is simple, but it does ask for a bit of honesty. Start by asking what your life actually needs right now. Maybe you want more ease or more courage or simply more sleep…

Many adults sit down in December with the intention of reviewing their year, then five minutes later they are cringing at old mistakes and wondering why they ever tried this in the first place. According to therapist Dr. Emily Hart, the problem is not the reflection itself, it is the harsh tone we use with ourselves. She recommends treating a year end review the same way you would talk to a close friend. Start by listing small wins, even the silly ones, like remembering to drink more water or surviving your kid’s sudden science project at 10 pm. This simple shift helps your brain stay grounded instead of sinking into regret. Dr. Hart also suggests asking gentle questions such as, What helped me grow, What taught me patience and What…

Winter has a funny way of making even the most energetic adults feel like they are walking through molasses. Shorter days and colder nights can mess with motivation and mood, so it becomes important to choose foods that work with the season instead of against it. Nutritionists often remind us that winter fatigue is normal, but it can be eased with the right balance of winter friendly nutrients. One simple shift is adding more complex carbs. Foods like oats, quinoa, lentils and whole grain bread release energy slowly which helps parents avoid that midday crash. These foods give steady fuel and honestly feel like warm comfort on cold days. Vitamin D is another key, since the lack of sunlight in winter affects how our bodies manage energy and mood. Adding…

Q from Melissa Greene, I swear I try to drink more water in winter, but the cold air makes me reach for coffee every two hours. Is there a simple way to stay hydrated without feeling like I am forcing myself to chug plain water all day? A lot of adults feel this, especially when winter mornings already start with low energy. According to nutrition coach Daniel Pierce, the trick is to make hydration gentle and tasty so it does not feel like a chore. Warm water with a squeeze of lemon is a great start because it gives the comfort of a hot drink without the crash. Herbal teas like chamomile or mint can also feel cozy and they hydrate you quietly while your brain thinks you are having…

Winter has a funny way of making even the most energetic adult want to curl up on the couch and pretend the gym no longer exists. And honestly, that instinct is not wrong. Our bodies naturally slow down in the colder months, partly because of shorter daylight and partly because our brains crave comfort and deeper rest. Many movement experts, like Dr. Karen Mills, say winter is the ideal season to choose gentle routines instead of pushing for intense workouts. Think stretching in your living room, slow walks with your headphones on or even those five minute wiggle sessions you do while waiting for dinner to cook. Parents especially need this softer approach during winter because life already feels full with school events, cold mornings and the constant hunt for…

• What from 2025 am I ready to let go of, and what small ritual could I create to help release it, so I can enter 2026 lighter? • Which three moments from 2025 showed me I am more resilient than I thought, and how would I like to grow that strength in 2026? • What do I need less of in 2026, and what gentle, replace it with instead so change feels doable, not punishing? • If 2026 could give me one feeling more often, what would it be, and what tiny habit could invite that feeling into my days? • What hope or curiosity from 2025 deserves more space next year, and how can I protect that seed without pressure or rigid plans?…

In the small town of Hollowford, winter comes early and settles in like an old friend, which might be why the locals leaned into a tradition that brings everyone a little closer. Every December, families gather in the old Hollowford Library Hall for something they lovingly call The Storytelling Night. It began when retired teacher Martha Ellery invited a few neighbors to share personal winter tales and folklore from their childhood. Now it has grown into a full room of parents, teens and even toddlers sitting on mismatched cushions while the fire crackles in the corner. People laugh, cry a little, and remember the simple joy of hearing a real voice tell a real story without screens or distractions. It feels grounding in a season where everyone is usually rushing.…