Life feels different lately, like more people are struggling more of the time. It feels like we are all under strain. But social media still tells us that consuming experiences and products will make it all better, and, often, we still believe it. Or at least, I know I do.

Last week was our half term holiday, but between financial pressures, poor health and other commitments, I realised early on that we wouldn’t be able to make any big plans. I felt a little sorry for myself, if I am honest. Of course, this was the perfect opportunity to let the small things work their magic, as they always do.

Our week was not without its challenges, but it was also full of simple joys: unshowy things that cost little or nothing but brought comfort and light.

Here are five, low-spend things we did last week that brought us joy:

Raiding people’s gardens

I experienced the magic of a family friend’s unplanned pumpkin patch; he had tilled two plants and, as if in a fairy tale, they had spread across the slope, tens of pumpkins in different colours and sizes. I chose a few and paused to admire the view of the fields and river. I felt like I was in the Shire.

Later, my dad took my daughter to his allotment to pick more pumpkins, which gave them the joys of good company and fresh air, and me the joy of homegrown squash and rocket to take home.

I arranged flowers from my own garden in a pumpkin. My children enjoyed carving them, toasting the seeds, and feeding leftovers to the goats. I even roasted some. And there was something lovely about how the orange and green brought extra brightness all over the house.

Inviting people over

I didn’t have energy to keep on top of housework, or money to buy in loads of food, but we had friends over for low-key gatherings. It felt good to just be in the easy company of good friends and let the children play. With the right people, gatherings can leave a gentle glow in the house even after guests have gone home.

Walking Outside

I am an outdoor person and feel so much more free when I can get out in the fresh air often. We didn’t go far this week, but we walked in the field near our house, often with the goats on leads. Everywhere, the leaves are golden and there’s a coolness in the air. It is delicious.

Using the Library

I have started properly using the library again and have a wonderful pile to read over the next few weeks. I have been returning to my ’40 books to read before I am 40′ list, which I have had lots of detours away from. My next read from the list is The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and I have also decided that I can no longer be left out of the Robin Hobb experience, so ordered in The Assassin’s Apprentice, Book One in the Farseer Trilogy.

Nesting

I have been sorting and decluttering random corners of the house, the most satisfying being my bookshelves, which are now beautifully organised in categories and alphabetical order by author. These kinds of jobs make me grateful for all I have and are satisfying and mood boosting.

What are your small joys this week?