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January arrives fairly quietly in our home usually.
After the sparkle and fullness of December, the days feel softer. The house exhales, the calendar clears, and everything in me feels like it’s asking for a slower pace. Not because I’m unmotivated, but because I’m human.
This year, instead of pushing myself into a fresh start that feels rushed, I’m choosing to let January be gentle.
Our Focus
January isn’t about doing more for us. It’s about easing back into daily life with intention.
This month, we’re focusing on:
- Slower mornings when possible (because let’s face it, sometimes running late feels like my routine)
- Being home more than we’re out, unless we’re visiting friends
- Simple routines instead of rigid schedules
- Resting without guilt
There’s something grounding about letting the month set the pace, rather than fighting against it.
Our Home
The house doesn’t have to have a full reset right now, it needs care. Dishes done, laundry folded, floors swept, and systems maintained instead of replaced. Small, steady work that keeps the house running without turning everything upside down.
I’m keeping homemaking simple:
- Laundry folded
- Cleaning in small, manageable chunks
- Letting some projects wait until later
- Opening windows on warmer days for fresh air
January homemaking looks quieter. It’s maintenance, not transformation and that feels right.
Our Food & Kitchen
The kitchen is where January feels the coziest. The oven is on more, meals are simple and warm, and we tend to gather there without really meaning to because it’s the warmest place in the house.
This month, we’re leaning into:
- Warm soups and simple casseroles
- Homemade bread when time allows
- Repeating meals that everyone loves
- Using what’s already in the pantry
Nothing fancy. Just nourishing food that fits cold days and full tables.
Little Goals for Me
With a slower pace this month, I’m leaving a little room to incorporate a few simple things when time allows. This month, that looks like reading more in the evenings and perfecting my homemade bread.
I love reading! However, since I started working, I have had very little time to read. Add a toddler onto that and my time is very limited, but I would love to get back to it! I’ve already finished one book this month! If you have any favorite books/authors you would love to share, it would be much appreciated! I’m always looking for new authors! My current favorite is below!
While I have dabbled in making homemade bread before, I’ve gotten out of the habit and would love to start it up again.
What We’re Letting Go Of
Every month has something we release, whether it’s expectations, routines, or just the pressure to do more than we need to.
In January, we’re letting go of:
- The pressure to reinvent ourselves
- Comparison with others’ fresh start
- The need to have everything figured out
There is freedom in choosing peace over performance.
A Gentle Start Is Still a Good Start
If you’re stepping into this new year feeling tired, unsure, or overwhelmed, I want you to know this: you’re not behind.
You don’t need to rush. You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need to become someone new overnight.
January can be slow.
It can be quiet.
It can be gentle.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
If you’d like to read along, I’ll be sharing a Monthly Rhythm post like this one each month. It’ll be a simple reflection on home, family, faith, and the pace we’re choosing for the season.
Thank you for being here 🤍
Elaney