Skip to content
Every year, shortly before Christmas Eve, Stanton House Inn goes quiet.
The espresso machine gets a break. The front door stops clicking open and shut.
We close our doors for about three weeks. And yes, it’s on purpose.
And no, it’s not because we’re snowbirds heading to Florida.
Here’s the thing:
Our winter break is no mere shutdown. It’s an annual reset.
A Tradition Rooted in Rhythm
Back when I worked a corporate job, higher-ups dangled the promise of a “slow season” like a carrot. But it didn’t matter the season, the pace never let up. Growth is fun, until it leads to burnout.
By the end of year three, I was exhausted. Year four? Toast.
That exhaustion is one of the reasons I came back to Stanton House Inn. The nostalgia of a childhood home and Greenwich were huge pulls. And yet, the built-in seasonal rest felt like a rare luxury in this world (and still does).
Like farmers in Japan who turn to poetry and painting in the off-season, winter here isn’t a dull void for us. It’s an open invitation.
What We Actually Do During Our Break
That said, we don’t just lounge around in plaid robes watching snow fall, though.
Well, maybe for a few days at the end of December.
Most of the winter break, we slow down on purpose so we can get back to our “hustle, but never rush” mentality (a core value of ours) later.
We Rest
Real rest. Long walks. Catching up with friends we haven’t seen since foliage season. Reading something not related to marketing or guest experience. Remember hobbies? We do plenty of those.
We Reflect
Winter lets us look at the inn with fresh eyes. What worked this year? What didn’t? Which room needs a refresh? Which rug has overstayed its welcome (and its usefulness)?
We Recharge
That may mean a bit of travel (hotel research disguised as vacation). Or switching off the “hospitality brain” long enough to let new ideas settle in there.
Some of our best:
- Design choices
- Room updates
- And breakfast additions
Began as ideas planted in our head during this quiet window.
There’s Beauty in the Pause
One of my favorite things I’ve learned over the years is that Japanese farmers produce a ton of beautiful art in their off-seasons. They work with the land when it’s time to sow and harvest—and then turn inward when the earth tells them to take a break.
We aim to spark creativity by slowing down, as well.
Because when we’re always “on,” there’s no room for inspiration.
No space to notice what’s missing.
No chance to try something new.
This annual pause gives us all three.
We Return Better for It
By the time we reopen in January, we’re ready.
The gardens are still asleep, but the kitchen smells like fresh scones again. There might be a new sconce or rug in your room. We more than likely have a new breakfast recipe to try out with you.
And we’re more present. More focused. More here.
Winter doesn’t have to be bleak or something to dread. For us, it’s the best-kept secret of our calendar.
Why It Matters (Especially in Hospitality)
Stanton House Inn has always been unique. We’re not a big brand. We don’t have a spa or a doorman or 100 identical rooms.
What our historic, cozy, bed and breakfast does have is intention.
And that includes how we care for our team, and ourselves, behind the scenes.
Hospitality is about being present for guests. And yet, to do that well, we need to be present for ourselves first.
So we close for the holidays.
We take deep breaths.
And we come back ready to make the place feel like home again.
Because you deserve that kind of welcome.
Until Then…
If you’re reading this while planning a winter trip, don’t worry:
Our calendar always opens again in mid-January.
And if you’re one of the guests who’s told us, “It must be so nice to take a real break,” you’re right.
It is.
We wish you the same kind of stillness this season.
See you in January, with fresh sheets, fresh energy, and more than a few new stories to share.