Between the Years: Resting in the Quiet Days

There's a special stretch of time each year, between Christmas and New Year. In German it's sometimes called zwischen den Jahren, "between the years." In Norway the quiet days are known as romjul.

The big celebrations are over. Many people are off work. The days blur together. No one is quite sure what day of the week it is.

These in-between days are a rare gift: a natural pause at the end of the year. Here's how to make the most of them.

Let yourself rest

After a busy December, many of us are tired. These quiet days are the perfect time to rest, without guilt.

• Sleep in.
• Take naps.
• Stay in your pyjamas.
• Have slow mornings.
• Do very little.

Rest isn't wasted time. It's how you recover.

Enjoy leftovers and easy meals

There's no need to cook big meals. Enjoy leftovers, simple soups and snacks. Keep it easy.

Get outside

A walk in the winter air can be a lovely contrast to all the indoor time. Fresh air and daylight can lift your energy and mood.

Do something you love

These days are perfect for slow pleasures:

• Read the book you were given.
• Watch films you love.
• Do a jigsaw puzzle.
• Play games.
• Try a new recipe.
• Listen to music.

See people, or don't

Some people love meeting friends in these quiet days. Others prefer to hide away at home. Both are fine. Do what feels restful to you.

Gently look back

As the year ends, you might like to spend a quiet hour reflecting:

• What happened this year?
• What am I proud of?
• What was hard?
• What am I grateful for?

There's no need to set big resolutions yet. Simply looking back with kindness is enough.

Don't rush into the new year

The pressure of New Year's resolutions can arrive quickly. You don't have to plan your whole next year before January even begins. Let these days be for rest.

A fireplace for quiet days

Our two-hour video Cozy Fireplace, with a warm, crackling fire, is a perfect background for slow, quiet days between the years:

▶ Watch Cozy Fireplace on YouTube

In closing

Rest without guilt, keep things easy, get outside, enjoy slow pleasures and look back gently. The days between the years are a rare pause. Let them be quiet.

For a gentle reflection practice, read The Half-Year Check-In: A Gentle Reflection.

Ethnoscape Media shares content for relaxation, inspiration and general information. It is not medical or psychological advice. Please talk to a qualified professional about your health.