by Penny Lynch
As another year draws to a close, December invites us to pause, between the wrapping paper and the mince pies, and look back on what truly mattered. It’s easy to get swept up in the sparkle and bustle of the season, but when we take a moment to notice the small, steady blessings that have carried us through the year, the days seem to slow, and gratitude quietly settles in.
Gratitude doesn’t have to be grand. It might be the neighbour who brought in your bin when you forgot, the friend who always waves on the morning dog walk, or the familiar faces at the shops who greet you with a smile. It’s often these simple, local connections that give life its warmth.
Many people find it helps to make a small daily list, 3 things they’re thankful for, however ordinary. Some jot them in a notebook, others share them round the dinner table. No matter how you do it, the practice can gently shift your focus from what’s missing to what’s already good.
This year, I’m grateful for the green spaces that make Cranleigh such a special place. The woodland paths on the edge of the Surrey Hills, the crisp mornings under a pale winter sun, and the quiet moments of stillness that nature offers us all. I’m grateful, too, for the sense of community that shines so brightly here, the volunteers who give their time so freely, the familiar faces at local events, and the kindness that runs quietly through our village.
And I’m grateful for the rhythm of the seasons that shape our days: the crocuses on the common, the buzz of the carnival, and now the twinkling lights that bring a touch of magic to the High Street.
As we step into the festive season, perhaps we can carry that spirit of gratitude with us.
Write a note to someone who’s made a difference, thank the people who keep our village ticking, or simply pause to appreciate the glow of the streetlights reflected on a frosty evening.
In the end, gratitude isn’t just about looking back, it’s about noticing the good that’s already here. And in a place like Cranleigh, there’s plenty to be thankful for.
