When Advent feels loud

There is something sacred about December. It isn’t only about twinkling lights, gatherings, and festive décor. At its heart, Advent is an invitation—
not to rush, but to slow down.
Not to perform, but to prepare.
Not to fill every moment, but to make room.

But if you’re a Highly Sensitive Woman, you likely feel the tension this season brings.
Your heart longs for stillness, yet everything around you feels loud and hurried.
Crowded shops, noisy gatherings, overstimulating calendars, and emotional expectations leave us weighed down... before December even begins.

You’re not alone.
Your heart is not too much.
You simply feel deeply—and that is a gift.

For most people, Advent is a countdown to Christmas. But for the sensitive heart, it is a sacred heart-walk. It is a season of gentle waiting, of listening, of preparing room for Jesus—not just in our homes, but in our thoughts, our emotions, and our overwhelmed nervous systems.

This makes Advent the perfect time to journal.

Not to keep up.
Not to impress.
But to exhale.

Because journaling isn’t just writing.
It’s slowing. Breathing. Processing. Praying. Listening.

It’s where we lay our heavy thoughts before God and discover that He is already waiting for us—in the stillness.

If you’re sensitive, social anxiety may be heightened more this time of year. Invitations, gatherings, small talk, emotional expectations—it can feel too much. The world calls it “holiday cheer,” but your heart may quietly whisper, “I need a softer way.”

Here are gentle truths to hold onto:

1. You don’t have to say yes to everything to be loving.
2. Your presence doesn’t need to be loud to be meaningful.
3. You are allowed to step away, retreat, breathe, and recharge.
4. You can honour others while still honouring your nervous system.

The Ivytree Studio Advent Bucket List - Created for the Faith-filled, Highly Sensitive, Creative Woman

To help you navigate Advent with intention and peace, I've created a gentle Advent Bucket List—designed specifically for women like you.

It is not a challenge.
It is not something to keep up with.
It is simply a list of peaceful ideas you can do at your own pace—to journal, pray, reflect, rest, and create meaningful connections.

• Sit quietly with Psalm 46

• Light a candle each evening

• Read Luke 1–2 slowly with a journal beside you

• Paint “Light in the Darkness” in your art journal

• Send a prayer note to someone quietly struggling

• Wrap gifts slowly, praying over each person

Some days you won’t do anything. Other days, you may find yourself journaling, praying, or creating for hours. That’s the beauty of gentle rhythms.

Holiday Club is here for you.

Holiday Club is my special seasonal support space for Highly Sensitive Creative Christian Women who want to move through the holidays gently, creatively, and spiritually—not just survive it, but be nourished by it.

Inside Holiday Club, you’ll find:

A Year in His Grace Gratitude Project
A peaceful journaling journey to reflect on small blessings and God’s goodness through the year.

Movie Night & Journal Together
Watch, unwind, and create simple memory pages using printable kits and cosy journaling prompts.

Past Live Streams to Rewatch Anytime
Guided journaling sessions, prayer prompts, Bible study moments, and reflective creative exercises.

Printable Advent & Gratitude Kits
Use them to make Scripture tags, prayer pockets, journaling cards, and Christmas memory pages.

Gentle Check-ins & Encouragement for HSP Hearts
Because December shouldn’t feel overwhelming—it should feel meaningful.

You can join until the 1st of December. The Gratitdue project has already kicked off but you can start with it anytime because it is less about doing the project in November and rather about documenting gratitude all year round. You can start the Advent Bucket list right away or with us on 25 November, and you are so welcome to join us—quietly, gently, at your pace. My new Advent collection will also drop soon, and there is even more creative fun in store for Members. You can also join the full Membership and become a VIP, journey with us full time and get Holiday Club included FREE in your monthly subscription. I would love to welcome you to the Community.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden,
and I will give you rest."
— Matthew 11:28 (WEB)

This is the promise of Advent. Not just rest from busyness—but rest for our souls.

Are you ready to begin your Advent journey gently?
Start here: linktr.ee/ivytreestudio

Your heart already knows what it needs.
Let’s walk this gentle Advent journey together.