Finnish winters have a kind of magic, but it’s a quiet one — not glittering, not showy. Some people romanticize the snow, but they often forget the cold, the darkness, the long stretch of it all. For a girl born under the African sun, among people who speak in warmth and laughter, winter here can feel like someone dimmed the world. These months usually ask us, at least me, to find the glow from within rather than chasing brightness outside.
So, as the light fades, dust loses its gold, and the days speak more softly, the landscape feels less busy and more honest. This is the season that encourages us to conserve warmth, attention, and effort— not to produce but to attune.
Despite the celebratory rush of the season, I’m slowing down. I’m trying to listen, to release the urge to tally outcomes, and to be present within the quiet moments and the changing rhythm of the year.
The poem below emerged from that quiet noticing. It’s a reminder that rest is not the absence of effort, but its companion. And for me, gratitude doesn’t always look like celebration. Sometimes it looks like stepping back, lowering the shoulders, and letting the body claim what it needs.
I Open My Eyes and Give Thanks
Thanksgiving —
a perpetual state of being
big and small offerings
no matter the season
for every morning
I open my eyes
and give thanks
Days fall off the calendar
it’s not about quantity
the grind but pledging
have I done enough
for each day
I search for beauty
and give thanks
Years start and end
with promise and hope
no matter the demands
every body needs rest
even the one
clothed in brown
learning to claim
As I pause my writing here for the rest of the year, I offer this piece as both a reflection and a permission slip for myself, and maybe for anyone else who needs it. And now, I turn inward to rest, trusting words will return with energy.
Thank you — truly — to everyone who continues to read and support my writing; your presence adds warmth to this space. I look forward to returning in the new year.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyous holiday season! ♥
Your post touched me — from the clever line “days fall off the calendar” to your description of the hard won position you have attained. A state of grace. Rest easy
“Despite the celebratory rush of the season, I’m slowing down. I’m trying to listen, to release the urge to tally outcomes, and to be present within the quiet moments and the changing rhythm of the year.”
We all need to slow down sometimes, and this is the perfect time to do so. Enjoy your break, Khaya. 🙏🏾🩵
Love the poem. It’s all about being still and quiet now. Listen and just BE. We too have snow which I find magical. It must be my inner child smiling! Have a good week ahead. Shhh-listen!
What a wonderful post to ponder and absorb this Monday Morning. You had me at, “For a girl born under the African sun…” A subtle reminder of your roots and how you have embraced several ‘transplantings’ in your life journey. May 2026 be filled with refreshment and hope.
Do enjoy your rest and may your holidays be peaceful!
That is beautiful! I lost my subscription somehow to your posts and thought you weren’t posting anymore.
Somehow, every time I read your posts, Khaya, I get exactly what I need at the moment. Isn’t that odd? It’s uncanny. I needed this post. The holidays are stressful and chaotic to me, and I don’t like them… but that doesn’t have to be, does it? Today, I will slow … way … down. Thank you. Hugs and peace, my friend.
goodness, the long nights would be a challenge for me – I’m already complaining about the shortening days here in Los Angeles lolol – wishing you a happy peaceful season!
Received and returned, Khaya 💕
A stunning post, my friend. “Despite the celebratory rush of the season, I’m slowing down. I’m trying to listen, to release the urge to tally outcomes, and to be present within the quiet moments and the changing rhythm of the year.” Oh, the folly of tallying outcomes.
“…Gratitude doesn’t always look like celebration. Sometimes it looks like stepping back, lowering the shoulders, and letting the body claim what it needs.” Brilliantly stated, Khaya.
Thank you for this!
Your post really moved me — from the poignant phrase “days fall off the calendar” to the way you describe the hard-earned place you’ve reached. It feels like a true state of grace. Wishing you peace and rest.
Beautiful poem. As always. I hope you find the peace and rest you need (and are due). And I hope I can follow your example of rest, gratitude, and restoration. I want to be present. I want to appreciate. But I’ll need to slow down to accomplish that. I wish you the happiest of holidays, my friend.
A beautiful poem with deep reflections, Khaya! Well penned!
I love this poem, Khaya. Thanksgiving feels perpetual to me as well—-Grateful Day. My parents are gone, and I have six siblings. I miss the togetherness… the knowing that, for one day, we are simply grateful and held in love. It hushes the noise of the what ifs.
Enjoy your time. Happiest Holidays!