December Grounding Guide

December – I wait for this time all year round!

The joy that fills the air, the collective exhale, the way humanity seems to move to the same rhythm for a few fleeting weeks. There’s a magic to this season that isn’t just nostalgic; it’s physiological. Our nervous systems respond to ritual, repetition, light, scent, story, and warmth and December delivers all of it at once.

With the magic comes the mayhem: schedules that tighten, expectations rise, and a cultural pressure to “make the most” of every moment or find the perfect gift. This guide is about choosing small, grounding rituals that bring you back into the heart of the season so you can actually enjoy the holiday instead of sprinting through it.

These are practices that slow the world down: the glow of Christmas lights during a crisp walk, the scent of a simmer pot drifting through your home, the tradition of decorating cookies or the quiet of reading the Nativity story by candlelight. These moments regulate your nervous system and create space for presence instead of performance.

This December, I want you to have a season you can feel.
A season marked by warmth, steadiness, and intentional joy.

Here are my grounding rituals for a calmer, cozier, more embodied December.

Mulling Spices

There is nothing like mulling spices on the stove in the fall and winter. Warm spiced cider infused with cinnamon, cloves and dried citrus is a deep sensory experiences steeped in tradition going back to

Brew Autumn

Favorite Dutch Oven

Staub Dutch Oven

This Dutch oven has been the single best investment in my kitchen to date. From soups to sourdough I truly use my Dutch oven at least once a week - especially in the fall. What I love about the Staub is that it is not enameled on the inside like the Le Cruset is. This makes it a lot more durable and forgiving! Also a lot easier to clean!

Get Cooking!