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Our Little Friday Letter (Friday, 22nd November 2025)
A weekly catch-up from Our Little House in the Country
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🌿 Warm Welcome
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Thank you so much for being here again and spending a few minutes of your Friday with me. I’m always so grateful that you take the time to read this little letter each week. I hope your week has been good since we last spoke — or at the very least, that there was one small moment of calm tucked into it somewhere.
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Settle in with a cup of something warm, and let’s catch up.
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🏡 From Our Little House
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It’s been a busy one in our little house this week.
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We celebrated our youngest turning 14, which was truly lovely. Teenagers get a bad reputation sometimes, but honestly? We are really enjoying this stage. Myself and my husband were out walking one evening, and we found ourselves talking about how much we genuinely love their company. They’re witty, chatty, sarcastic in the funniest way, and just great craic. We feel very lucky that the four of us get on so well. And this year, Christmas Day will be just us — the four of us — for the first time in a few years. We’re already planning our little walks, the cosy meals, the traditions, and I’m really looking forward to it.
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Meanwhile… the house itself? Still absolute chaos.
The attic contents are still everywhere. Boxes in corners. Boxes under tables. Boxes staring at me silently every time I walk into a room. But you know what? That’s a problem for another day. (Probably next week’s day. But still.)
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In the middle of all this, we put up our beautiful Christmas tree, and oh my goodness — she’s gorgeous. All the memories, all the little decorations from over the years, all the familiar lights. The house may be in disarray, but the living room feels magical.
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And then — Christmas markets.
This weekend I have two full days at the Ardgillan Castle Christmas Craft Fair (Saturday and Sunday), so it’s been a week of prepping signage, organising displays, packing boxes, checking stock, and even making extra candles and wax melts because things were beginning to sell out. Not a bad complaint to have!
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Busy, busy, busy… but good busy.
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✨ Theme of the Week: Slowing Down in a Season That Speeds Up
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As we come into the final stretch of November, everything starts to speed up around us — invitations, events, shopping lists, school things, work things, end-of-year everything.
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And this week, as I’ve been working away on the markets and getting prepared for December, I’ve been reminding myself of this:
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Just because the season gets faster doesn’t mean we have to.
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There is so much joy to be found in the simple, small, gentle bits of Christmas.
Moments like:
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- a quiet evening by the tree
- a walk under the twinkly lights
- a phone-free hour
- a cup of tea before the house wakes
- a single candle lit while the rain hits the window
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It doesn’t have to be big to matter.
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So the theme this week is just that — a gentle invitation to slow down, savour the season, and let the magic come to you instead of chasing it.
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📝 On the Blog This Week
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As it’s the last week of the month, this week’s blog post was the long-awaited December calendar:
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A Calendar for Advent and Beyond
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If you read last week’s letter or listen to the podcast, you’ll know that this was inspired by something we did as a family last year. Instead of doing big, expensive outings, we made our own little “advent of experiences” — simple, cosy, memorable things we could do together at home.
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This year’s calendar continues that theme:
Small joys.
Simple pleasures.
No pressure.
Just gentle ideas to make December a season of memory-making rather than rush-making.
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I’ve had the loveliest messages on Instagram since sharing it on Tuesday — people printing it for friends, popping it into Christmas cards, using it as a family advent calendar, or just keeping it on the fridge for inspiration. I’m so thrilled it’s resonating.
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I’ll pop the link here in the published version for you to download the PDF if you’d like to print it.
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Coming up on the blog over the next week or two, you can expect posts like:
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- The Heart of Christmas: Exploring Meaning Over Materialism and Cherished Traditions
- Finding Calm in a Busy Christmas: Choosing Connection Over Perfection
- The Simple Joy of Giving: Finding Meaning in the Heart of the Season
- The Gifts of Darkness and Light
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And of course, you can browse the entire Christmas 2025 category, with over 20 festive posts — everything from drinks to movies, cosy rituals, ways to slow down, and little seasonal pleasures.
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🎙️ Seasonal Notes: Episode 4 Coming Sunday
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A little note about the podcast — Episode 4 of Seasonal Notes will be live this Sunday morning at 7am.
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This week, I’m chatting all about the 31 Ways to Slow Down & Savour December calendar — how to use it, why I created it, and the five gentle “threads” woven through it that touch on connection, calm, creativity, joy, and simple seasonal pleasure.
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It’s a soft, reflective episode, perfect to listen to with a cup of something warm as you ease into the first days of December. My hope is that it gives you a moment of quiet inspiration before the busy part of the month begins.
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🎄 On Instagram This Week
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Instagram was full of lovely conversations this week, especially around the December calendar.
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You can screenshot it from the grid if that’s easier for you, or download the PDF from the blog — whatever works best.
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I also shared a little reel of our main Christmas tree, if you’d like a peek. She’s our “memory tree,” filled with 25 years of ornaments, little souvenirs from trips, decorations from when the kids were tiny, gifts from loved ones — all the little stories of our life together.
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We also have a second tree in the dining room, which is up but not decorated yet — it’s our “travel and handmade” tree. I’ll share that as soon as we get to it. It has all the Disney trinkets, the kid-made angels and stars, the babies’ first Christmas ornaments, and all the sweet, sentimental bits.
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This year, I’m decorating slowly — bit by bit — instead of doing my usual full-day marathon where I’m wrecked by the end of it. I’m actually enjoying it so much more this way. There’s still loads of time. It’s only November!
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Throughout December on Instagram, I’ll be sharing:
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- a festive blog post every day
- plenty of cosy Christmas bits
- market days
- seasonal goings-on from our little house
🕯️ Candle Shop Update
Well, it has been a candle-filled week!
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With the Ardgillan Castle Christmas Craft Fair happening this weekend (Saturday + Sunday), I’ve been busy making more candles and wax melts, preparing signage, organising stock, and packing everything up.
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The Christmas candles have been selling so well — thank you, thank you, thank you. Truly. Every DM, every message, every order means the world to me.
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- Ardgillan Castle Christmas Fair – 2 days, this weekend
- Cottage Market Christmas Market (Scotch Hall, Drogheda) – next weekend
- Cottage Market Christmas Market (Drogheda) – following Saturday
- Sonairte Christmas Fair (Laytown) – following Sunday
A busy few weekends ahead, but I’m really looking forward to them — they’re such a lovely way to get into the festive spirit.
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If you feel like a browse, I’ll include the shop link here — never any pressure.And if you do order, you can use THANKYOU10 for 10% off.
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Behind the scenes, I’m also working on some exciting plans for expanding our little candle company in the new year. More soon. ✨
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❤️ What I’ve Been Loving This Week
Honestly?
Hallmark Christmas movies.
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Truly.
I’ve had them on in the background most afternoons, especially when I’m cooking or pottering around. The kids think I’m absolutely cracked, but I find them so comforting and cosy — pure, simple festive fluff. Exactly what my brain needs at this time of year.
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📚 From the Archives: The Calendars Collection
I thought it might be nice to gather all the seasonal calendars together in one place, so here they are — going right back to May:
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I’ll link each one here in the published version so you can download or print whichever ones you’d like. One of these days, I’ll create a category just for the calendars so they’re all easy to find.
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🌿 Follow Along
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If you’d like to keep in touch between letters, you’ll find me most days over on Instagram — sharing gentle reminders, snippets of everyday life, and chats over coffee in Stories.
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Here’s where else you can find me:
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💬 Share Your Thoughts
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If there’s something you’d love to see in a future newsletter, blog post, or printable, or if you just want to say hello — I’d truly love to hear from you.
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You can reach me any time by:
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Comments on the blog or Instagram are always welcome too. I read every single one.
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💛 Until Next Time
Thank you, as always, for reading this Friday Letter.
Your messages, your kindness, your support — they mean more than I can ever properly put into words. I genuinely love putting these together, and it warms my heart every time one of you reaches out to say it was exactly what you needed.
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As we step into December next week, I hope you find moments of peace, little sparks of joy, and time to enjoy the season in your own gentle way.
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Wishing you the most gorgeous weekend, whatever you have planned — or not planned.
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Take good care,
And I’ll talk to you next Friday. 💛
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The Quiet Joy of an Ordinary Summer Day
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A gentle and reflective essay about slow summer living, quieter family rhythms, intentional days, and finding joy in ordinary moments. From early morning tea and journaling to open windows, late evening walks, sleepy teenagers, outdoor living, and slower routines, this post explores the emotional relief and beauty of a calmer, more meaningful summer season rooted in presence, connection, and everyday life.
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A Slow Summer Bucket List for Real Life
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Looking for a slower, simpler summer? This gentle slow summer bucket list is filled with realistic ideas for creating a meaningful summer season — from quiet mornings and long evenings to camping trips, family connection, outdoor living, simple pleasures, and intentional summer rhythms. Perfect for anyone craving a calm, cosy, low-pressure summer rooted in real life rather than perfection.
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30 Joyful Moments for June
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Slow down and savour the season with this gentle guide to Joyful June. Discover 30 simple, uplifting moments you can weave into your everyday life — designed to bring calm, clarity, and a little spark of joy to your summer days.
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Our Little Friday Letter | 22nd May 2026
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This week’s little letter is all about the emotional atmosphere I want this summer to hold — slower mornings, calmer evenings, less pressure, more connection, and ordinary joyful moments that don’t need to be perfect to matter.
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What Mindful Living Actually Looks Like in Real Life
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What does mindful living actually look like in real life? This post shares a gentle daily rhythm with simple, realistic ideas to help you slow down, feel more present, and create a calmer everyday life.
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Embrace the calm side of Christmas with 12 simple self-care rituals designed to help you slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what matters. From morning gratitude rituals and mindful winter walks to candlelit baths and early nights, this post celebrates a slower, gentler December filled with warmth, balance, and peace.
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Bring joy and laughter to your home this holiday season with 20 festive family night ideas. From cozy Christmas movie marathons and baking together to themed dinners, creative games, and gratitude rituals, these simple, inexpensive activities help families reconnect and celebrate the true spirit of the season — warmth, fun, and togetherness.
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Make December 24th truly special with these 10 Christmas Eve traditions. This list is full of simple, meaningful ways to bring calm, connection, and festive joy to your home — from baking and candlelight dinners to reflective gratitude rituals and family games. Slow down, savor the magic, and create memories that last.
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Whisk up some holiday cheer with 15 Christmas baking ideas — a mix of cookies, cakes, and festive treats perfect for family days, gift boxes, and cozy winter weekends. This collection includes classic gingerbread, spiced fruit cakes, chocolate-dipped biscuits, and other easy bakes that fill your home with warmth and joy.
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Turn off the screens and turn up the joy with 20 screen-free Christmas evening ideas for the whole family. From baking together to candlelit dinners, festive crafts, and heart-to-heart chats by the fire, these simple ideas help you reconnect and savor the season without digital distractions.
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Looking for meaningful ways to connect this Christmas? Here are 25 cozy and creative activities that bring families and teens together—from movie nights to handmade gifts. Simple, slow, and full of heart.
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Get inspired with 25 festive Christmas drinks to suit every taste — from warming mulled wine and creamy eggnog to sparkling mocktails and spiced hot chocolate. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night by the fire, this list has a delicious drink for every moment of the season.
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Not every gift needs a price tag. These 15 meaningful, zero-cost gift ideas are heartfelt, homemade, and perfect for a slow, cozy Christmas season.
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Looking for the perfect Christmas movie to enjoy with your teens? Here's a handpicked list of 12 festive favourites—from classics to action to cozy feel-good films—plus where to stream them in Ireland, the UK, and the US.
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Looking for a slower, cozier way to enjoy Christmas? Here are 20 simple hygge-inspired rituals to bring warmth, calm, and meaning to your festive season—candles, quiet moments, and all the little joys.
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Craving a calmer festive season? Here's how to have a slow and simple Christmas—filled with meaningful moments, cozy traditions, and space to truly savour the season. A beautiful, grounded take on the holidays.
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