53 Days ’til Christmas – Gratitude Self Care Sunday: Pause, Catch Up, and Reconnect

This post is part of the #100DaysTilChristmasChallenge – one small step every day to make the holidays more joyful and less stressful.

Between the Halloween candy, the late-night trick-or-treating, and the time change, this weekend feels like a bit of a blur. But tucked inside all that chaos is a tiny gift — an extra hour.

Before November picks up speed, today is your reminder to breathe, reset, and reconnect with what matters most.

Yesterday, we talked about starting a Tradition of Giving. But before generosity can flow outward, it begins within — with gratitude. When we pause long enough to notice what’s already good, everything else falls into place.

So today, let’s make space for calm. For reflection. For that deep exhale you didn’t realize you were holding.

🎁 4 Gifts

Each Sunday, we take a little time to nurture four parts of ourselves — our mind, our voice, our spirit, and our joy.

📖 Something to Read

Read a short gratitude-focused essay or chapter from Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

If you’ve never read it, Simple Abundance is a gentle classic — a reminder that contentment doesn’t come from having more, but from noticing more. One of my favorite messages from the book is this:

“The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do.”

Sarah’s reflections are simple but profound — small daily essays about finding joy in ordinary moments and creating an authentic, grateful life.

No book nearby? Reflect on three things that went right this week — the small wins, the kind words, or the quiet comforts that made your days easier.

📝 Something to Write

Journal Prompt:

“Where did I feel most grateful this week — and why?”

If journaling feels like too much today, use this affirmation instead:

“I have more than enough — time, love, and grace.”

Spend just five quiet minutes writing or repeating it. Let it settle before your week begins.

🕯️ Something to Take With You

Write it on a sticky note and place it where you’ll see it this week — near your coffee mug, planner, or mirror. Let it serve as a gentle nudge each day to slow down and notice the good that’s already here.

💫 Something for Fun

Make plans with a friend for breakfast or lunch this week.

Reach out to someone you’ve been meaning to see — maybe another mom, a sibling, or a friend who always makes you laugh. It doesn’t have to be fancy or long; a cozy diner breakfast, a quick lunch, or even coffee at home counts.

The point isn’t to fill your calendar — it’s to refill your spirit. Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with gratitude is to share it with someone who gets it.

Connection is one of the simplest forms of self-care — and one of the easiest to forget.

🎁 Need to Catch Up?

If you took a little breather last week, you’re not behind — you’re exactly where you need to be. This is the perfect weekend to slow down, regroup, and get back into your holiday planning rhythm.

As the pace of November starts to pick up, a little organization now will make the weeks ahead feel lighter. Here are a few early challenge posts that are worth revisiting (or starting fresh) as we head toward Thanksgiving and Christmas:

• Set Up Your Holiday Planner – Your all-in-one command center for the season — where every list, recipe, and plan has a home.
• Set Up Your Holiday Calendar – Map out key dates, events, and deadlines so you can stay ahead without feeling rushed.
• Christmas Wishlists for the Whole Family – Collect everyone’s wishlists now to make gift shopping and budgeting easier later.
• Holiday Budget Planning – Get your holiday finances organized before the big sales and spending begin.
• Begin Your Gift Lists – Start tracking ideas and purchases so you’ll be wrapping stress-free come December.

✨ Still Need Your Holiday Planning Printables?

All of the planning sheets, checklists, and holiday organizers that go with these posts are tucked inside The Holiday Hub — and they’re completely free for challenge subscribers.

💌 Add your name below to get instant access and start downloading the printables that make holiday planning simple, calm, and fun.