Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth,
for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk by the fire-
it is the time for home.
·Edith Sitwell·
Winter is the time for all things cozy, warm and toasty. This truly is one of my most favorite times of the year, as I love the cold weather, snow days, and all the coziness of the season. Today I thought I would share some of my ideas to truly enjoy and embrace the beauty of the season....
Loving the winter season and cold weather is quite uncommon, I believe. It is rare to find kindred spirits who share my same opinion about these two things. However, even for those who experience the winter blues, I think that all these ideas will be of help to you.
Winter, a lingering season,
is a time to gather golden moments,
embark on a sentimental journey,
enjoy every idle hour.
·John Boswell·
Find a hobby that you enjoy doing and then do it.
This one is such a seemingly easy one, but they say some things are easier said than done, and I think this is one of those things. Winter does call us inside more and we often find ourselves at home more than other times of the year. If you have something that you are genuinely interested in and truly love doing, it can make those extra hours at home and inside even more enjoyable. Winter is also the perfect time to begin new projects and find new hobbies and interests. Perhaps crafting is your thing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery or cross-stitch, or even sewing. (I'm hoping to teach myself how to hand embroider this winter using videos online.) Perhaps there is a book series you would like to dive into. (That's me!!) Or a new cooking of baking skill you want to learn. Maybe you want to learn more about that camera you've had for three years. (That's me, too!!) Is there a home renovation or redecorating project that's been on your list for too long? Just put your thinking caps on and set to work!
Get outside. Daily.
Yes, I know it's cold outside. The wind might be blowing and the air might bite you with it's frozen feeling. But I firmly believe that time outdoors every single day is of utmost importance for mental and physical and emotional health. Your whole person will benefit from getting a little fresh air. Even if it's raining, snowing, windy, freezing cold, if you dress appropriately, it won't be that bad. An old Norwegian Proverb says, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes." I grew up with a mom who bundled us up all warm and toasty and then sent us outdoors, even in the freezing temperatures and snow coming down. We would all, including her, get our warmest clothes and heaviest coats on, we piled on the scarves, gloves, and hats and got some old-fashioned fresh air and found ourselves invigorated from the cold air we breathed in. Because I grew up like that, and am still like that to this day, it totally amazes me how few people actually get fresh air in the wintertime. I would argue that this is, perhaps, one of the biggest causes of wintertime depression and blues. Also, keeping your curtains open to let natural light come in is also a great way to bring nature in.
Make your home a cozy haven.
This is a big one! Having a home that looks and feels (not temperature wise) cold at any time of year, but especially in the winter months, discourages enjoyment of and embracing the season. Again, my mom has always created a cozy atmosphere in our home. We have warm blankets draped over the sofa, sweetly scented candles all around, softly lit lamps on each table, and endless opportunities for some sort of fun and pleasure. Books, crafts, magazines, movies and favorite shows, music, games and more all in the nooks and crannies of our home. This is also the time of year when we are busily working in the kitchen. Cooking different comfort foods is one of the greatest joys this time of year. Soups, homemade breads, cookies and muffins, warm beverages, roasted chickens and pot pies and more are just a few of our favorites.
Seek to embrace the season and see the beauty in it.
Cook up a pot of hot chocolate and pull out the mini marshmallows. Have a tea party and try a new scone recipe or taste test different teas. Enjoy a movie night or a marathon of your favorite TV show. Go to the bookstore and peruse your favorite sections. Play some happy and fun music throughout the days. Relax in the evening with a hot bath or shower. Pull out those cozy and warm pajamas. Get outside and observe nature that surrounds you. Seek to discover the beauty of the winter season and appreciate the wonder that it holds. Nature journals are a great idea and winter is the perfect time to start.
Those are just a few of the ways that I enjoy and embrace this beautiful season of wintertime. I would love to hear your thoughts...how do you enjoy this season? Do you genuinely like it, or does it take some effort to find pleasure in these grey, damp and cold months? I'd love it if you'd share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below...