April 25, 2025
Romanticizing Sundays
Who doesn’t find themselves with a case of the Sunday Scaries every now and then? Though Sundays are often known as a day to rest, I can find it hard to relax as the weekend winds down and my mind starts to shift to all that awaits me Monday morning. I think of all I could be doing to get ahead and somehow find myself already feeling behind. In an effort to calm the feelings of unease that begin to creep up, I’ve started to romanticize my Sundays, filling the day with tasks that will help me feel prepared to start a new week, but done so in a way that I look forward to, rather than dread.
Now, I wake up a little slower on Sundays, lingering in bed to read a little and snuggle with our sleepy dog while the coffee brews. I leave my phone on its charger while I pad out to the living room and light a candle to signify the start of a new day and enjoy my drink while working on the day’s crossword. Once our dog has finally emerged from the bedroom, I take my coffee outside and sit on the porch while she plays in the grass for a spell.
Then it is time to start my chores, which I now look at as rituals rather than something to rush through. I turn on some music and pull out the beautiful notebook I use just for planning our meals for the week. I think about our favorite dinners and enjoy choosing which ones will nourish us in the coming days. As the music continues to play, I tidy up each room a little, thankful that this is something we stay on top of each day, so there’s not much to do.
Before heading to the grocery store, I strip the bed and put its linens in the washing machine. I finish my trip to the store in the floral section, carefully choosing which bouquet I’ll be dividing up to spread around the house that week, making sure there are enough to put some in each room. I reward myself for getting through my to-do list by heading to a coffee shop or the local brewery for a solo reading date and to work in my reading journal.
Evening is reserved for softness: a delicious dinner, a long shower, fresh pajamas, maybe a favorite movie or TV show we’ve seen a hundred times. And then we head to our freshly made bed to read until our eyes get heavy before turning off the lights.
I don’t try to “beat” the Sunday Scaries anymore. Instead, I meet them with softness. With intention. I let Sunday be less about doing and more about being. Because the truth is, Mondays will always come. But how I welcome them is entirely up to me. And when I fill my Sundays with calm, I no longer step into the week feeling behind — I step into it already whole.
Discover ways to romanticize your life with our upcoming special release A Romanticized Life Issue 1.
AnnieH
April 26, 2025 at 5:59 am
Sounds like a lovely, slow day. We start ours slow as well. A leisurely breakfast, placing the grocery order for the week, puttering around the apartment. Sunday afternoons are when we cook a big meal for the week ahead. Sunday evening is spent watching a new episode of a series and then reading before bed.
Vickie Maddox
August 24, 2025 at 12:11 pm
I usually start mine by going to early Church service at 9-10., to worship my Lord. And then I have the rest of the day to make a meal, read,spend with family, watch tv or just sit outside in the swing (with fans above of course), just admiring God’s handiwork. We are so lucky to be able to enjoy his good graces. Amen
Cindy
April 30, 2025 at 8:16 pm
Love this idea. Great way to really enjoy and savor Sunday and meet Monday with a fresh perspective.
Jo
May 10, 2025 at 12:33 pm
Just reading this made me feel calmer, and I’m working today. I’m going to try some of these ideas tomorrow (Sunday) before I go off to my graveyard shift. I hope I can manage to stick with it! Thank you!
Carol
July 7, 2025 at 5:50 am
Sunday would not be Sunday without going to church and worshipping my Lord and Savior! That is what brings true peace and calmness to my life as I thank Him for His saving grace and love! We have a wonderful pastor who teaches God’s Word and His truth. No matter how the rest of the week goes, I know God is with me and He will help me through the good and the bad circumstances.
Peggy
July 25, 2025 at 5:55 am
Thank you Carol. And it is our responsibility to train our children.
Wendy
August 23, 2025 at 5:23 pm
I concur! It wouldn’t be a week without setting aside time to be in a service with church community on a Sweet Serene Sunday. Beginning the week with time spent worshiping the One who created us is a natural response to living this life!
Denice
August 24, 2025 at 11:45 am
Truth. Same hear at our home. Grace and peace come from the Lord. These are great ideas to spend time on my Saturday or Sunday after church or to enjoy on anyday that the Lord gives us on this earth.
Donna
August 25, 2025 at 7:14 am
So true!
Kris Kinner
August 23, 2025 at 3:34 pm
I’m retired now and no longer feel the Sunday scaries but boy I sure used to. I worked with troubled children and every day was a huge challenge. After more than 35 years teaching special education I am happy that I was able to do the work I did but I’m calmer now and this article really made me feel even more calm and happy! Thank you!!!
Lynne
August 23, 2025 at 4:46 pm
I love this magazine. You always have great articles great pictures but I get a couple of them so I just get bombarded and I go and do my art and don’t even look through them till another one comes and then another one comes if you know what I mean I’ve rescued a dog and it takes my time now if my husband doesn’t decide to raise his voice the day might become calm. I am right now up here in the woods in Western North Carolina. I have a LOG CABIN up here and the animals come down from across the street. I imagine they’ve been doing it for years. It’s so cool to see the bears and the Deers sometimes turkeys I love it. One of the bears I named Sherman. I just think it’s so cool. I stay about six months and then I go back to Florida where my husband hates it I hate the politics there truly but I told him to stay here. Thank you for writing that romantic magazine this time I’m gonna need it.🌻🌻
Jan
August 24, 2025 at 5:00 am
I start out my SUNDAYS by visiting my FATHERS HOUSE. Theres nothing like starting out my day by worshipping our lord with my church family. A great refresh reminding me how lucking I am in this world of so many trials and tribulations. I am so blessed to know Jesus sees me every day. God bless all. Jan