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Slow Living in November: Simple Rituals to Savor the Season

/ Lifestyle, Uncategorized / By

As the last leaves fall and the air grows still, November invites a slower rhythm. It’s the calm before the holidays—a month meant for reflection, warmth, and comfort. This is the time to lean into quiet rituals, create space for gratitude, and enjoy the simple things that make home feel like sanctuary. Read on to discover easy ways to enjoy slow living in November.

1. Start a Gratitude Ritual

November and gratitude go hand in hand. Begin or end each day by writing down three small things you’re thankful for—a kind word, a warm meal, a moment of light. Keep a beautiful journal by your bed or kitchen table and let it become part of your daily rhythm.

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2. Host a Soup Night

When the air turns cold, invite a few friends over for soup and bread. Keep it simple and cozy—mismatched bowls, soft lighting, and good company. A soup swap or shared dinner can become a favorite late-fall ritual before the busy weeks ahead.

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3. Build a November Reading List

November is the perfect month to read slow, quiet books that match the season’s pace. Choose stories that feel comforting, nostalgic, or thoughtful. Make a small stack near your favorite chair, light a candle, and spend an afternoon reading without your phone nearby.

November Reading Picks:

  • The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher —This is a slow, atmospheric novel about family, art, and memory — the kind of book you sink into on a gray November afternoon.
  • The Secret History by Donna Tartt — Set in Vermont during a crisp autumn, with intellectual, moody, and slightly dark undertones — perfect for November’s introspective vibe.
  • 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff — A short, epistolary book of real letters between a writer and a London bookseller — warm, witty, and quietly emotional.
  • A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza — A beautifully written, tender family story about belonging, forgiveness, and connection — very aligned with the gratitude and reflection themes of November.
  • Still Life by Sarah Winman — Gentle, art-infused, and deeply human — spanning decades in postwar Italy. It captures warmth, community, and beauty in everyday life.

4. Enjoy a “No Plans” Weekend

Before the holiday rush, block off one quiet weekend to rest. Sleep in. Take long walks. Make breakfast slowly. Let your home stay a little messy and unhurried. You don’t need a plan to enjoy yourself—just time and presence.

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5. Bake Something Old-Fashioned

Bring warmth to the kitchen with a simple, nostalgic recipe. Try apple crisp, molasses cookies, or a loaf of cinnamon bread. It’s less about perfection and more about scent, sound, and memory—the crackle of the oven and the first bite of something homemade.

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6. Take a Twilight Walk

November light fades fast, but the late-afternoon glow is worth chasing. Wrap yourself in layers and head outside just before sunset. The air feels sharper now, but that’s part of its beauty—it reminds you to slow down and notice.

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Closing Thought

Slow living in November is about gentleness—choosing what matters, letting go of what doesn’t, and creating space for quiet joy. Savor these in-between days before winter fully arrives.

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