Welcome to our Holiday Writing Circle!

As we approach the holiday season, I'm thrilled to embark on a reflective journey with all of you. This writing circle is a space for us to come together, share, and explore the beauty of the life we are living during this special time of year.

Over the next six weeks, we'll delve into a series of themes that capture the essence of the holiday season. Each week, I'll provide you with a carefully crafted journaling prompt designed to guide your reflections. Together, we'll celebrate the moments, people, and experiences that fill our hearts with gratitude, and we'll capture these precious thoughts and feelings in our writing.

Week 1 (November 19-25):

Theme: Embracing Gratitude


Week 2 (November 26 - December 2):

Theme: Holiday Traditions


Week 3 (December 3-9):

Theme: Magical Moments


Week 4 (December 10-16):

Theme: Reflection and Renewal


Week 5 (December 17-23):

Theme: Acts of Kindness


Week 6 (December 24-31):

Theme: Celebrating Life

Let's make this holiday season one of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of the life we are living.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you and creating a beautiful collection of reflections and stories together. Let's embrace the magic of the holidays through the power of our words and the warmth of our shared experiences.

Welcome Email: PDF


Week 1 (November 19-25)

Theme: Embracing Gratitude


O sacred season of Autumn, be my teacher, for I
wish to learn the virtue of contentment. As I gaze
upon your full-colored beauty, I sense all about
you an at-homeness with your amber riches. You
are the season of retirement, of full barns and
harvested fields. The cycle of growth has ceased,
and the busy work of giving life is now
completed. I sense in you no regrets: you’ve lived
a full life. I live in a society that is ever-restless,
always eager for more mountains to climb,
seeking happiness through more and more
possessions. As a child of my culture, I am
seldom truly at peace with what I have. Teach me
to take stock of what I have given and received;
may I know that it’s enough, that my striving can
cease I…May I know the contentment that allows
the totality of my energies to come to full flower.
May I know that like you I am rich beyond
measure. As you, O Autumn, take pleasure in
your great bounty, let me also take delight in the
abundance of the simple things in life which are
the true source of joy. With the golden glow of
peaceful contentment may I truly appreciate this
autumn day.
~EDWARD HAYS

The self you bring to a gathering is different with each passing year. A part of the ripening process of wisdom, humility, acceptance, and contentment. You have a secret that some gathered with you might sense. You have come home to your self. One who gives thanks for the gift of being human.

Writing Prompt

Reflect on the changing seasons of your life and the wisdom they have brought. Imagine yourself as a student of autumn, seeking to learn the virtue of contentment. Write a letter or journal entry addressed to the season of autumn, expressing your desire to embrace contentment and find joy in the abundance of simple things in life. Share your reflections on how you have evolved and grown wiser with each passing year, and how this wisdom has enriched your sense of self and gratitude. Explore the secret or knowing glint that resides within you, and give thanks for the gift of being human. Wisdom often comes through struggle. Be open to its lessons.

Download Week 1: Embracing Gratitude PDF


If you have any questions, please let me know. Feel free to share your writing with me and indicate if you would like to share with others and I will include it in next Sunday's Writing Circle email. Email: hello@kathydonchak.com or WhatsApp: KathyDonchak

Kathy Donchak

I am a wife, mom, nature, and book lover living in Central Texas. My work is the garden of my interests. The best way to get to know me is to subscribe to my Sunday Letter.

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