Frankincense and Tea Winter Evening Journal Ritual 🕯 ✍️

It’s a slow, cold, snowy Saturday evening here in Bellefonte. It has been pretty hectic lately, so it has been nice to take it easy and breathe today. I read a little of a favorite suspense fiction novel of mine that I got for Zach to finish, One by One by Ruth Ware (a perfect read for a snowy day!) then I did a little bit of a creative watercolor exercise that turned out pretty good!

I pulled out my journal and did a bit of free writing, then decided to kick it up a notch and have a little ritual journaling session and invite Zach to participate. So, I figured I’d share it with my friends here in case anyone would like a grounding activity for a cozy evening in.

Let’s get started…

Set the Atmosphere: Light frankincense, light a candle or candles, and dim the lights. Wrap up in a blanket, warm drink and journal nearby. Perhaps put on some soft, instrumental tunes if that tickles your fancy. Invite your partner or a friend to join. We have a “crackling fireplace” up on our tv screen to help set the mood.

Close your eyes or find a gentle gaze downward or at a flickering candle flame. Take 3 deep breaths, imagining snow settling around you.

Silently set this intention:

“I allow myself to rest and reflect.”

Pick as many of the following prompts that call to you to answer.

Journal Prompts:

Stillness & presense:

• What feels peaceful in my life right now, even if it’s small?

• Where am I being invited to slow down this season?

Holiday reflection (without pressure):

• What part of the holidays genuinely nourishes me?

• What expectations can I soften or release for the rest of the year?

Gentle self-connection:

• What am I proud of myself for accomplishing this year?

• What does my nervous system need more of right now?

Looking ahead (softly):

• What feeling do I want to carry into the rest of winter?

Closing:

Share as much as you’d like if you had any others join. We ended up just talking about our answers as we went instead of writing them down.

To finish, set a short, closing affirmation.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Let the grounding and enlightening scent of the frankincense hold you, and give yourself permission to rest, reflect, and simply be.

Say (out loud or silently): “I allow myself to rest.”

I hope you enjoyed this snowy evening ritual. May your journal pages capture quiet insights, soft gratitude, and the gentle magic of this holiday season.

Warm and cozy intentions,

- Krista 💖