It’s early November, and “out there,” the Christmas season has already arrived. Commercials depict an idyllic holiday of perfect gift-giving, and big stores are stacked with piles of merchandise. Emails from your favorite shops shout, “Your holiday gift guide is here!” Everywhere you turn, the message is clear: join the frenzy, buy more, do more, HURRY!
Don’t get me wrong — I really like giving gifts, especially when finding the perfect gift for someone I love. I also understand that businesses rely on the income from the estimated $1 trillion (yes, trillion!) that U.S. shoppers are expected to spend this holiday season. Most importantly, I know that there are far too many who can't afford or whose situation will not bring the ideal holiday image put upon us. . . and I do not assume that everyone celebrates Christmas!
Still, I believe there’s a way to embrace the season with a kind of slowness that allows us to savor the gifts of the moment, reflect on what truly matters, and be mindful of our personal situations — and knitting teaches us how.
Slowing Down the Holidays: Lessons from Knitting
Savoring the Process > Mindfulness
I once knit a tiny swatch of our 2-ply cashmere yarn on a US size 0 needle. It grew slowly — not just because of the tiny gauge. Every few rows, I found myself pausing to admire the fabric, letting myself be awed by the moment. I was savoring the process.
I’m not a “churn them out” kind of maker. Sure, I have WIPs in many mediums — some waiting years — but I don’t feel pressured by a race to finish. My love of process sometimes conflicts with running a business, where new patterns encourage sales. Yet, knitting itself is intentional, celebrating the act of making. I want our pattern offerings to reflect that same care — quality over quantity. And that same philosophy can guide us through the holiday season.
Savoring the Season
Here’s how I’m approaching the next few months with a slower, more intentional rhythm:
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Harvest and cook with intention – Putting my garden to bed and exploring old cookbooks reminds me to savor seasonal flavors.
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Enjoy autumn’s beauty – Watching the changing leaves, decorating with gourds and fall flowers, and resisting the urge to “deck the halls” too soon.
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Pair making with quiet moments – Enjoying morning coffee alongside crafting, whether for gifts or personal projects.
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Take small outings – A new walk, a library visit, a local art exhibit, or a trip to a small shop — experiences that bring joy without the frenzy.
Take a moment to ask yourself: how can you give this moment space to bring you joy and purpose?
Meaningful Gifting
Knitting is about thoughtful choices: project, pattern, color, yarn. The same care can be applied to holiday gifts:
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Consider your recipient — even a small, thoughtful gift can be meaningful.
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Focus on quality over quantity — teach children (and ourselves) to enjoy more with less.
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Support local and small businesses — they’re absorbing rising costs and need our help to thrive.
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Make by hand — a batch of cookies, a pair of mitts, a simple craft.
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Reuse and repurpose — give items from your stash, or share things you no longer need.
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Give time, not things — share skills, help someone complete a project, or simply spend time together.
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Share traditions — cook, bake, or craft with someone; learn from others’ celebrations.
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Give in someone’s name — local gift drives or community organizations are full of need.
I know I’m not alone in wanting to borrow the lessons of knitting to guide a slower, more intentional holiday. As a small business, holiday sales are important — but I don’t want to add to the noise with endless “buy now” messages or Black Friday hype. Instead, I aim to approach the season with the same care and slowness that knitting teaches: celebrating the process, valuing quality, and making mindful choices.
We’ll continue sharing patterns and project ideas to inspire you — but always with intention. Choose what speaks to you, savor the making, and let your holiday season reflect the same care and joy you bring to each stitch of your making.
May your next few months be meaningful and authentic and as always, may you find joy in making with our yarn. --Amy