A gentle slide into winter
December always arrives quietly, with frosted mornings, soft winter light in the afternoons and evenings that fall dark earlier each day. The world seems to move just a little slower.
Here, just outside Rotterdam, the landscape becomes serene: bare trees, calm fields and that familiar grey-blue winter sky. I imagine London feels much the same, with people wrapped tightly in scarves, lights reflecting on wet pavements and cafés where everyone warms their hands around a steaming cup of coffee… or in my case, a delicious matcha.
Winter markets and old rituals
The local markets look completely different now. The pumpkins are gone and replaced by winter pears, kale, Brussels sprouts and festive treats.
Last weekend I bought fresh chestnuts to roast at home. The smell was honestly unreal. December is filled with rituals: choosing small gifts for family, writing cards. This year I made them myself during a lovely girls’ night filled with creativity and a good glass (or bottle) of wine and baking those recipes you only make once a year, like fresh split pea soup.
Slowly and gently, we move toward the holiday season.
Crackling coziness at home
December brings people together. Whether you celebrate St. Nicholas, Christmas or simply the end of the year, it is a month of warmth and connection.
Personally, I love the evenings most: lighting a candle, listening to soft music, taking a reformer pilates class in the city and ending the day with a delicious warm meal. A winter stew, fresh bread or a quick pasta with garlic and herbs.
Green moments indoors
Even though nature outdoors is resting, everything inside can continue to grow. My windowsill has turned into a tiny winter garden.
This month, I am growing winter herbs with Botanian Grow Pellets, like rosemary (my favourite), sage and thyme. They thrive surprisingly well during this time of year and bring a wonderfully fresh scent into the house.
A sprig of rosemary in hot tea, a leaf of sage in butter sauce, a handful of thyme roasted with winter vegetables, small touches that bring winter dishes to life.
Looking back and leaning forward
December is the soft landing of the year: a moment to reflect, to feel grateful and to pause for the little things.
Wherever you spend December, whether in London, Rotterdam or somewhere in between, let this month remind you of the value of calm, warmth and mindful attention.
Pour that mulled wine, write that card, take that winter walk. And if you can, grow something green, even now.
BE warm.
BE mindful.
BE a Botanian.
