The In-Between of November

As the last Halloween decorations get tucked away, November stretches out before us—a quiet in-between. The pumpkins are softening, the leaves are crisp underfoot, and the nights feel deeper somehow. It’s not yet Christmas—at least not for me. I’m not ready to dive into twinkling lights and peppermint just yet. This is my time to pause, to slow down, and to embrace the quiet magic of the season’s shift.

It’s tempting to get swept up in the whirlwind of holiday prep, but I’ve been craving a different kind of connection lately—less scrolling, more living. I’ve started setting my phone aside earlier in the evenings, trading mindless swipes for flipping the pages of a good book. Historical fiction mysteries have been my favorite companions. There’s something about stepping into another time, following the twists and turns of a story, that feeds my creative side in ways that nothing else can.

This in-between is also when I feel most inspired creatively. Without the hustle of Halloween or the urgency of Christmas, my thoughts wander more freely. I find myself jotting down ideas for cozy photography projects, experimenting with new recipes, or just taking time to look out the window at the golden light through the bare trees. It feels good to let my imagination stretch without pressure—just for the joy of it.

So, if you’re feeling a little lost between Halloween and Christmas, I invite you to join me in slowing down. Light a candle, make yourself a cup of something warm, and pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read. Let’s let November be what it wants to be: a soft pause, a bridge, a quiet inhale before the festive exhale.