Hey there!

If you’re American, I hope your day yesterday was full of just enough food to bump you right up to that line of delightful satisfaction without tumbling over the line into gross coma territory. I hope political arguments were few, crunch-perfect leaves on your neighborhood walk were abundant, and naps were had. Amen.

Out shopping today? You do you, but as for me, I’d rather pour lemon juice on a paper cut (I’ve never been good with crowded stores). I loved it a few years ago when REI started their Opt Outside campaign, choosing to close their doors over profit on Black Friday sales, and ever since we’ve tried to do at least something outdoors on the day. We’ve got rain on the forecast, but even so, we’re thinking a little hike is in order. Also amen.

5 Quick Things ☕️

1. I’ll get right to it: today I’m sharing big news! (It’s a short, bonus-style announcement episode — just enough earbud time for one crowded Target aisle.)

2. I shared five things that keep my Thanksgiving week pleasant, but you can copy + paste this for any upcoming holiday week. I know I will.

3. What a cool thing — I just love NYC.

4. "He took apart a chair just so he could rebuild it."

5. When Jesus gives you a dog… Oh man, my heart ached for Haley’s family all week. Dogs are such a gift.

Quotable 💬

“Be thankful for what you have, and you'll find you have more. Focus on what you don't have, and you will never, ever have enough.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Time Machine ⏰

9 (nine!) years ago, Meg wrote about avoiding relationship strain over gift-giving expectations (apropos for the approaching holidays).

A Reminder 🕯

Advent starts this Sunday, December 1! Download my next book’s first week, completely free, and use any of the resources linked there. Our beeswax candles are rolled and I’ve already got my Advent playlist going on repeat.

Have a great weekend!

xo, Tsh

p.s. Is it just me, or are gift guides unveiling earlier and earlier every year? They’re already everywhere! We’re sticking to tradition, and for the umpteenth year in a row, the Art of Simple Gift Guide will release this next Monday. 🙌 In the meantime, Teepublic has a great Black Friday sale today — it’s a great time to snag some At Home in the World tees, hoodies, sweatshirts, and more in a language you love (there’s 18!). (Hot tip: I prefer a men’s tri-blend tee in medium over any of the women’s sizes.)

Hey there!

Phew… Has the flu and/or other delightful maladies infiltrated every nook and cranny of your places of education, worship, and neighborhood as well? 🙋‍♀️ This week we had a sick kiddo (and I’m not 100% at peak health, either), thanks to being part of her theater production cast last week where the flu ran rampant. Thankfully it waited until the show ended, but it’s so intense we’re now calling it the Wonka Plague. Good times. 😷At least I’ve got this to keep me company.

(On another note: I’m sending this latest issue of 5QT from Substack, as a test to see if I like using it. I already use it for my insider community, but I love that they allow you to also send emails for free. I want 5QT to remain free, so this seems like a win-win! I’ll keep you posted.)

5 Quick Things ☕️

1. This week I got to share some fun news, as well as give you a free little thing!

2. Tips for introverts about how to love the holiday season. Yes, please and thank you.

3. In today’s podcast episode, Andrea & I talk about our Advent + holiday mindsets, and how they’re key to making this a season we love.

4. This little story is so fantastic, especially the very end (thanks to Janette, who shared it in the community).

5. I can’t believe it’s been 30 years already (I remember watching the news in middle school) — this is a beautiful tribute.

Quotable 💬

“There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn’t that kind of the point?”

– Pam Beesly, The Office

Time Machine ⏰

A year ago, Laura shared how motherhood changed her reading life for the better.

Have a great weekend!

xo, Tsh

p.s. 5 Quick Things will be free for as long as I can help it — the plan is forever! But if you’d like a little more from me — a weekly chat thread where you can ask me anything, occasional longer-form essays, monthly episodes of my secret podcast, and more — consider becoming part of the community, Books & Crannies. It’s only a few dollars per month, and in doing so, you’re helping good work happen (such as 5 Quick Things):

Join the Community

Vote with your spare change the kind of internet you’d like to see more of! And thank you so much in advance — I’m grateful for you.

p.p.s. This was a complete delight.

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