It is so nice to see a great variety of people mentioned here and not the same writers I normally see in these round-ups (no offense to them! they are great! but non algorithmic introduction to new writers is so refreshing!)! <3
I love the one about the Australian grandmother! 😂 I’m Australian and I have an aunty who does Kaftan O’Clock at 5pm. And it’s time to put on your kaftan and have a glass of wine. She had a cupboard of about 25 kaftans and she makes all her guests put one on too.
Kaftan O'Clock is ICONIC! There's something about us Aussies - we know how to make everything a celebration! Officially inspired to throw a kaftan party!
What a beautiful list of delights! Some small things that are currently bringing me joy are:
- pulling a card each morning from the very playful Cat Tarot deck my partner gave me for Christmas
- doing a brief, low-pressure morning meditation
- adding colour and ephemera to my journal
- daily photo walks. I live in a prairie city and our winters are frigid. Getting out for some vitamin D and seeing the small changes in my neighbourhood from day to day is wonderful for my body and mind.
I make a point of going for a walk every day with my camera and documenting something I see that I think is beautiful or interesting. Sometimes I go for a walk just for the sake of going for a walk, but sometimes it's nice to have an added purpose to get me out the door!
Love this list and the wide variety within it! In the cold grasp of January, these are great reminders to find joy in the little things. I love the idea that even doing the dishes can be magical. For me, embroidery projects and non-stop crafting while watching reality TV or light hearted sitcoms have made winter feel more cozy and bright!
This was such a comforting read! Loved so many of these answers, especially Sabrina's about watching reruns. That's totally what I find comfort in, too (looove The Mindy Project!!) My kids are really into Uno right now, so our new family ritual is playing a game after dinner and right before they start their bedtime routine. It's fun and I find it helps make the transition to bedtime a bit easier!
This post truly feels like a hug, especially on a freezing January day! I enjoyed the chance to discover so many new-to-me writers. What a treat! A small joy was sledding with my kids over the weekend. It’s fun to see the joy of winter through their eyes.
Elisabeth's "foodie chat" reminds me of a concept called "waffle wednesday" that a friend recently shared with me. It essentially is centered around catching up and sending a video or text describing the last week. I thought it was a great way to stay connected as we're all across the world, in different time zones in different life phases.
It is so nice to see a great variety of people mentioned here and not the same writers I normally see in these round-ups (no offense to them! they are great! but non algorithmic introduction to new writers is so refreshing!)! <3
Thank you — we're lucky to have so many wonderful writers in our network who are game to share with us ♥️
agreed, so many new to me substack writers and products!
So many of my favorite writers in one place!! I love it. Also, thinking I *need* that adorable desktop calendar.
Kelly, I say this with all seriousness: You need it.
I mean- sold.
I love the one about the Australian grandmother! 😂 I’m Australian and I have an aunty who does Kaftan O’Clock at 5pm. And it’s time to put on your kaftan and have a glass of wine. She had a cupboard of about 25 kaftans and she makes all her guests put one on too.
Omg… to own 25 kaftans. My new dream.
Kaftan O'Clock is ICONIC! There's something about us Aussies - we know how to make everything a celebration! Officially inspired to throw a kaftan party!
Thank you for including me! I loved reading through these bits of joy. Amelia’s memories of her Grandy’s “After Fives” is my favorite!
That was one of my favorites, too (they’re all my favorites, lol.)
So many warm and fuzzies here! Love being a part of it! ☕️🥰
I think you’ve started a new generation of After Fivers.
Grandy would be proud!
Ummm my bestie just brought me lip balm from Vietnam. It may be the cutest lip balm ever. Will post picture in my Friday newsletter.
Lip Balms in 2025!
Woooow didn’t realize this was a trend but I am here. for. it.
Absolutely loved this and found so many wonderful new people to follow. Thank you!
This made my day!! Thanks Kelly 💛
Loved this!! Thanks for including me! I’m officially copying Amelia’s grandma now :) and definitely going to bust out my instax more often!
I think we’re all copying Grandy… thank you for sharing your wonderful ritual *and* art with us!
What a beautiful list of delights! Some small things that are currently bringing me joy are:
- pulling a card each morning from the very playful Cat Tarot deck my partner gave me for Christmas
- doing a brief, low-pressure morning meditation
- adding colour and ephemera to my journal
- daily photo walks. I live in a prairie city and our winters are frigid. Getting out for some vitamin D and seeing the small changes in my neighbourhood from day to day is wonderful for my body and mind.
I love these! Tell me more about the photo walks…
I make a point of going for a walk every day with my camera and documenting something I see that I think is beautiful or interesting. Sometimes I go for a walk just for the sake of going for a walk, but sometimes it's nice to have an added purpose to get me out the door!
That's such a good idea — definitely going to borrow it.
Love this list and the wide variety within it! In the cold grasp of January, these are great reminders to find joy in the little things. I love the idea that even doing the dishes can be magical. For me, embroidery projects and non-stop crafting while watching reality TV or light hearted sitcoms have made winter feel more cozy and bright!
I’ve always admired people who embroider — it’s such a good thing to do with your hands instead of being on your phone!
So fun! These are all very sweet - and I definitely learned a few new things to make my week more joyful. Grateful for this community! 🌼
Grateful for you, too! 💛
thanks for including me in this great list!
This was such a comforting read! Loved so many of these answers, especially Sabrina's about watching reruns. That's totally what I find comfort in, too (looove The Mindy Project!!) My kids are really into Uno right now, so our new family ritual is playing a game after dinner and right before they start their bedtime routine. It's fun and I find it helps make the transition to bedtime a bit easier!
Ohhh I loved Uno so much as a kid — what a fun tradition, you're definitely forming core memories!
So many delightful recs! Thanks for sharing and cultivating from our lovely Substack community 🫶🏻
This post truly feels like a hug, especially on a freezing January day! I enjoyed the chance to discover so many new-to-me writers. What a treat! A small joy was sledding with my kids over the weekend. It’s fun to see the joy of winter through their eyes.
Elisabeth's "foodie chat" reminds me of a concept called "waffle wednesday" that a friend recently shared with me. It essentially is centered around catching up and sending a video or text describing the last week. I thought it was a great way to stay connected as we're all across the world, in different time zones in different life phases.
Ohh, I really like this. Such a nice way to stay in touch and reflect on how you’re doing.