24
little joys.
24 ideas to explore whenever you like. A song, a few words, a short walk: open a window and choose what feels good to you today.
Which window will you open?
Every idea is available all year. There is no order to follow, nothing to buy and nothing to finish.
Choose a number to open its idea.
Idea 1 : Three songs, just for youOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Choose three songs you already have access to, including one in French that you enjoy. Play them in order: one to settle in, one to make you smile and one to slow things down.
Not in the mood for music? Write down their titles and what each one brings to mind instead.
Make room for musicIdea 2 : Lights around your neighbourhoodOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
If conditions allow, choose one street near home and look for three things lit up: a window, a balcony or a small string of lights. Turn back whenever you feel like it.
Are the sidewalks slippery, or would you rather stay indoors? Enjoy the lights from a window.
Plan a walk among the lightsIdea 3 : A snowflake from scrap paperOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Find a sheet of paper that has already been used on one side. Fold it in half, then in half again, and cut a few small shapes along the edges. Unfold it: your snowflake is ready to place by a window.
No scissors? Draw a snowflake with six branches and give each one its own pattern.
Create with what you already haveIdea 4 : The story behind a recipeOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Choose a recipe from someone close to you, a friend or a book. Write down its ingredients, one detail about making it and why you have kept it. If someone tells you its story, ask before recording their voice.
The recipe can be a recent discovery. “I like it because it is simple” is already a story.
The recipes we shareIdea 5 : A letter you do not have to sendOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Write three sentences on a sheet of paper, to someone else or to yourself: a thank you, a memory and a wish. Fold the letter and choose a place to keep it.
You can send it later, read it again or never share it. The letter belongs to you.
Make room for a quiet momentIdea 6 : Five winter detailsOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
From somewhere comfortable, look outside and find five details: a branch, a footprint or track, a colour, a shadow and something that moves. There does not have to be snow.
Write about or draw the detail that surprised you. A window is enough to give yourself time to look.
Take your time outdoorsIdea 7 : A quick hello, on your termsOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Think of someone you would like to hear from. Suggest a short call at a time that works for them, or send a message with a specific question: “What made you smile this week?”
If they are not available, a hello is enough. You do not have anything else to organize.
Get together in your own wayIdea 8 : A page by the windowOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Pick up a book, magazine or piece of writing you already have. Settle in by a window and read one page slowly. Choose a sentence to carry with you for the day.
You can read it aloud, to yourself or to someone who would like to listen.
Quiet moments at homeIdea 9 : A card made from next to nothingOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Fold a sheet of reused paper. On the front, draw a place in your neighbourhood or glue on three scraps of paper. Inside, write a wish that suits the person you have in mind.
Give it to them in person, keep it or take a photo. You do not need a stamp or a new purchase.
Make a card for someoneIdea 10 : Three photos, three captionsOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Choose three photos, printed or on your device. For each one, add the place, a detail outside the frame and a sentence about that moment. Everyday photos count too.
No photos? Draw three small scenes from a day you would like to remember.
Make an evening of memoriesIdea 11 : A word from homeOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Write down a Québec expression you use or have heard. Add the person, place or situation it brings to mind, then write a sentence that shows what it means.
Ask a friend for their favourite expression if you like. It can come from another region or another language.
The traditions we keep aliveIdea 12 : A little applesauce, if you have applesOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Use the apples you have to make a little applesauce: cut them into pieces, add a bit of water and cook gently until tender. Taste it warm and note the texture you prefer.
No apples? Make something simple with the ingredients you have instead, without adding an errand to your day.
The steps for making applesauceIdea 13 : See a market with fresh eyesOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
If a Christmas market near you is open, choose three things to notice: a sign, a handmade object and a light. The idea is to look around, without planning any purchases.
Check dates and entry conditions with the source. If the outing does not suit you, draw your own little storefront on paper.
Plan a visit to a marketIdea 14 : A tiny holiday cornerOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Choose a ledge or a small surface. Gather three things already in your home: a drawing, a saved decoration, a book or a piece of fabric. Move them around until the little corner feels right to you.
You can simply place your paper snowflake there. One small detail is enough.
Create something smallIdea 15 : A song to swapOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Send someone the title of a song, with a sentence about why you chose it. Invite them to choose one in return. You will have two songs for another listening session, together or in your own homes.
Would you rather keep the moment to yourself? Choose two songs that speak to each other and write down why.
Put together a few songsIdea 16 : Make coming home a little warmerOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Make a little room in the entryway for your next outing: leave your mittens to dry, gather the clothes you will need and clear a place for your shoes when you return.
If you are not going out, set up a comfortable seat with a book or a blanket you already have close by.
Get ready for a pause outdoorsIdea 17 : Your neighbourhood in five linesOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Look at the view from a window or a photo of your neighbourhood. Draw just five lines: a roof, a street, a tree, a window and the sky. Add a touch of colour if you feel like it.
The drawing can be tiny and imperfect. You are looking for a detail, not an exact likeness.
See the streets differentlyIdea 18 : A game with ten thingsOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Put ten small household objects on a table. Look at them for a minute, then cover them and try to name them. In a group, one person can remove an object before uncovering the table.
Play on your own by writing the list from memory. Use fewer objects to keep the game easygoing.
Simple games to play at homeIdea 19 : Listen to winter for a minuteOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
If you are comfortable outdoors and conditions allow, pause near home for one minute. Notice three sounds, near or far, then make your way back without rushing.
Indoors, try the same listening exercise by a closed window. You may hear the wind, the street or a moment of quiet there too.
An outing at your own paceIdea 20 : An evening without a planOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Choose one comforting thing for tonight: a simple meal, some reading or your music. Make a little time for it and leave the rest of the evening without anything scheduled.
On your own or with others, simply say: “We are keeping things quiet tonight.” You do not have to make the evening memorable.
Leave room for a quiet eveningIdea 21 : A bite with a storyOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Take a snack or dish you already have. Before tasting it, write three words for its colour, smell and texture. Add a sentence about a place or moment it makes you think of.
With others, everyone can suggest their own words. You do not need to share the same memories.
Cook, tell a story, tasteIdea 22 : A specific thank youOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Think of a small gesture that helped you recently. Write a thank you that names it: a call, a favour or a conversation. Share it if you feel like it.
You can also write down something you did for yourself. Keeping the thank you is just as valid.
Make room for small gesturesIdea 23 : Imagine what happens nextOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Open a book you have and read a short passage. Close it, then make up three sentences about what happens next. Give a detail from your neighbourhood a part in the story: a staircase, a bus stop or a window.
On your own, write it down or tell it aloud. With others, add one sentence each, without trying to tell the best story.
Read a little something aloudIdea 24 : Keep a little joyOpen the ideaClose the idea
Your little moment
Choose an idea from this calendar you would like to try again. Write its name on a piece of paper and add a possible moment: after a busy day, on a Sunday or when it next snows.
Tuck the paper into a book. There is nothing to finish: you can return to any window, all year long.
Plan another little momentA moment that fits you.
Choose the time you have, who you will be with and what you feel like doing. The holiday planner suggests a small plan you can make your own.