I know what you’re thinking. Is it really possible to love winter?
Isn’t winter just a cold, miserable, blah time of year to be endured on the way to the warmer, brighter days of spring?
I agree winter can sometimes be tough. The weather is grim. It’s cold. It’s rainy. It’s icy. Depending on where you are it can be snowy.
Even if you love snow like me, sometimes that fine line between a beautiful magical dusting, and dirty, ugly, slush gets crossed too frequently.
But there are some wonderful things about winter. And as I’m one who always tries to look at the bright side, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite things about winter.
Here are 5 reasons to love winter
1. The Festive Season
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, the holiday season and all the fun it entails is a lovely spring-board into winter.
There’s the decorations and lights, the joyful atmosphere, the anticipation, and the celebrations, with colleagues, family and friends.
Then as the New Year approaches it’s time to reflect on the year that been and make plans for the year ahead.
It’s that delicious feeling of a fresh start.
Whether or not you make resolutions or goals or start a new diary or planner, it’s wonderful to look ahead and anticipate the year ahead and all of its possibilities.
2. Hygge
If you follow this blog you’ll have probably noticed I’m a big fan of hygge, the Danish concept of cozy contentment. And there’s no better season to get hygge than winter.
Relish the time to slow down, relax and enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Just as nature rests and recharges over winter, take the time to rest and recharge yourself.
It’s the time to feel utterly good about gathering on the sofa with family and friends, watching a TV show, playing games, reading, talking, eating simmer food and lighting candles – Marie Tourell Søderberg, Hygge: the Danish Art of Happiness
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3. The Beauty of Nature
Winter has a very different beauty to spring, summer or fall. It’s a stark, less showy beauty, but it is a beauty none the less.
Growing up in New Zealand and Australia, my winters were very different from the ones I now experience in the Northern Hemisphere. I’ll never forget my first winter in the UK and my awe and wonder of seeing for the first time everything from fences and spiderwebs to trees and fields covered in white, glistening frost. It was a pure winter wonderland experience.
Then, of course, there’s the first snow of the season.
There’s no denying, those first snowflakes are pretty exciting! And as the snow keeps falling there are so many lovely things that can follow:
- the calm quiet as snow muffles the ordinary, everyday sounds
- making snowmen, snow angels and snow sculptures
- skiing, ice-skating, snow-shoeing and sledding
Then there are the beautiful sunrises.
Because the sun rises later you don’t need to get up ridiculously early to enjoy the soft light and gorgeous sunrises on crisp winter mornings. Look out of your window and enjoy!
5. Comfort Food
Winter is the perfect time to indulge in lovely comfort food. Make use of winter vegetables to create hearty, warm, nourishing dishes such as:
- soups
- stews
- casseroles
- chilli
- anything slow cooked or slow roasted
Then, of course, there are all those lovely warming winter drinks:
- hot chocolate
- cocoa
- chai latte
- tea
- coffee
And for something a wee bit stronger…
- hot cider
- mulled wine or glögg
- hot toddies
5. Winter Clothes
To me, winter clothes always seem to feel the most stylish.
There’s nothing quite like a smart winter coat, or a gorgeous pair of polished boots to make you feel more chic or put-together.
And it’s never more possible to feel both chic and cozy than in winter. There are so many lovely options for gorgeous coats, sweaters, gloves, earmuffs, hats, scarves, and boots.
For chilling out at home though nothing beats woolly socks, warm pyjamas, cozy slippers and a cuddly dressing gown.
Need a boost during Winter?
Still not feeling the winter love? Why not try some of these ideas…
1. Add some light
You may have packed away your Christmas lights, but how about keeping a string of fairy lights somewhere to cheer you up during the dark early mornings and nights? Or light some candles and bask in their warm, comforting glow.
2. Have a movie marathon
Lots of great films get released during the winter months. Check them out at your local cinema, or catch up on some of the ones you’ve missed at home (along with home-made popcorn!)
3. Take up a new hobby, or get back to a hobby you’ve neglected
How about knitting, crocheting, sewing, woodworking, arts and crafts? Or perhaps writing, or playing a musical instrument? Having something to look forward to, and something that keeps your mind focused will boost your mood.
4. Be a tourist in your own town
Visit museums and galleries and historical sites that are usually busy with tourists during the summer months. You’re sure to discover something new, and you’ll see your town in a whole new light.
5. Make a start on those books you’ve been meaning to read
If you’ve got a pile of books on your nightstand or on your bookshelf that you’ve been meaning to get to, now’s the time to start. Or head to your local library and borrow some to bring home.
6. Go outside
It’s important to get some time in the natural daylight (what little of it there is) every day during the winter. It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny or cloudy, any time outside counts. Try going for a walk at lunchtime. Getting outside is a proven mood booster.
7. Find a fireplace
If you don’t have a fireplace of your own try finding a cozy cafe or pub where you can pull up a chair and sit by the fire. It’s all the better with a warm drink after a long brisk walk!
8. Plan future adventures
Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an overseas vacation, investigate destinations for future adventures and start making plans. Research has shown that the act of planning and anticipating a trip can give you a bigger happiness boost than the trip itself!
Most importantly, be kind to yourself
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, nourish and take care of yourself. It’s not the time to punish yourself with deprivation, strict diets and gruelling new gym routines.
This doesn’t mean winter is an excuse to eat junk food and hibernate. Eat warm, nutritious, nourishing food, and get some regular exercise – whether that’s a gentle walk every day, a weekend hike, run or yoga class.
Stay connected with friends and family by meeting up for coffee, easy casual meals in, movie nights or board game tournaments.
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home. – Edith Sitwell
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