A New Way to Spend December / 12月の新しい過ごし方

December, known in Japan as Shiwasu (師走), a month said to be so busy that even priests run around, is often a time when everything feels rushed and hectic.

This autumn, somewhere along the way, I heard the idea that instead of filling December with obligations, it might be nice to finish most things early and spend the month at a slower pace. I really liked that thought, so this year I’m consciously trying not to schedule too much in December.

I wrapped up my Christmas-related workshops between the end of November and the first week of December, and now I’m just participating in an art market that I enjoy with artist and designer friends. As for personal maintenance, I’ve already finished my dental and gynecological checkups, and all that’s left is a haircut before the end of the year, which I only book on that date. Ending the year and welcoming a new one without rushing around like this feels surprisingly comfortable.

In the gentle pause of December, where time seems to flow more slowly, I’d like to look back on the past year, think about the year ahead, return to writing my blog regularly after a short break, and spend more time reading.

I also want to make space for quietly working with my hands. I don’t know whether it will remain a simple personal pleasure or turn into something for next year, but lately I’ve been in the mood to patiently keep my hands moving, making star-shaped polyhedra out of paper… maybe something for next year’s Christmas workshop!? 😉

Instead of rushing results, I just follow my inspiration and work on calmly without thinking too much.

How are you spending your December?

Photo: My favorite vegan apple cake, cooling down in the micro balcony. Also nice to take time for cooking and baking.

師走の12月は、何かとせかせかしがちな時期です。12月について、大方の用事を早めに終わらせて、ゆったり過ごしてみてはどうだろう、という話をどこかで耳にしました。いいアイディアだなと思い、意識的に12月の予定をあまり入れないようにしています。

クリスマス関連のワークショップは11月末から12月の第一週にかけて終えて、あとは仲間内で楽しむアートマーケットに出るくらいです。自分のメンテナンスは、歯科検診や婦人科検診を終えて、あとは年末に髪を切りにいくのみ。こうしてばたばたせずに一年の終わりと新しい年を迎えるのは、なかなか心地いいものですね。

ゆっくり時間が流れる12月の余白の中で、一年を振り返りつつ、新しい年に思いを馳せたり、しばらく間が空いていたブログを日々書いたり、本を読んだりしようと思っています。

また、手を黙々と動かす時間もとろうと思っています。単純な個人の楽しみに終わるのか、来年のネタになるのかわかりませんが、ちみちみと手を動かしていたい気分で、このところ星型多面体を紙を作っています・・・来年のクリスマスワークショップの何か！？なんて 😉

成果は急がず、淡々と静かに進めていけたらいいな。みなさんは12月をどう過ごしていますか？

写真: バルコニーで冷却中の大好きなりんごのケーキ。ゆったり料理に時間をとるのもよいですね！