You have cabin fever and are ready for the winter to be over. I know, I can hear you groan as you read this. Sorry to break it to you, but we have some time until the birds start chirping and the first crocus flower breaks ground. Fear not! I am here to help you ditch your doldrums because there is plenty to enjoy while the cold temps stick around for a bit longer. Don’t hate me because of my love for the colder months of the year. Instead, love me for all of the ways in which I can inspire you to embrace what is left of the winter.
This is my list of cozy ways to make the most out of winter.
Snuggle up with a good book in your favorite nook.
It doesn’t make a difference if you are reading, journaling, or doing a crossword puzzle, as long as your activity of choice takes place in a space that makes you feel like you are wrapped in one of Olaf’s warm hugs. There is no way you will feel anything but joy at that moment.
Write a letter or send a note.
Cards and notes have mostly been replaced by texts and emails and the digital version of correspondence doesn’t have quite the same feel as a handwritten note. Think of the excitement you feel when you find an envelope in the mail that isn’t a bill or junk. It’s likely from your Great Aunt Bessie who is the only person to still use a pen and paper. Take a page out of her book and write someone a letter.
Carve out some girl time.
If I have said it once, I have said it 1,000 times, girl time is a necessity. We are tribal beings and our ladies raise us up even in our darkest hours, which, in this case, is in the winter. Practice self-care in the form of a social gathering with your sisters from other misters. Free laughs, listens, and shoulders to lean on for everyone!
Knit something.
Newsflash! You don’t have to be a crafty grandma to knit, however, knitting needles and some yarn are a must. This quiet practice is one of the coziest around and a delightful activity to cozy up with and pass the time while winter is in full swing. Fun fact: I once had a knitting club. It was more like a drinking club. I should have called it The Drunk Club.
Make a stovetop simmer.
Have you ever walked into a home and thought to yourself, “holy shit it smells like the inside of a wooden leg in here.” That is no Bueno as there is nothing cozy or inviting about that. Good news! For zero dollars because you likely have most items in your kitchen, you can toss some spices and orange rinds in a pot with water and create an aroma so good you’ll never want to leave.
Host a potluck.
I get the harsh weather of winter has you landlocked and sticking around the homefront but on the other hand, you would like to have some human interaction. Solution. Start a text thread with some of your favorite people and host a potluck. With everyone contributing you can minimalize your duties in the kitchen, keep costs down and ultimately enjoy a great evening filled with laughs and libations.
Create a hygge nook.
The colder months have us inside more than we are outside and perhaps there is a space in your home that could use a little TLC when it comes to amping up the cozy factor. Make some time to get your favorite spot filled with candles, plants and some textured fabrics that will only make you want to swan dive into that spot every time you pass it by. Hunkering down never felt so good.
Take a walk in nature.
It feels like we are getting farther from nature every day and every season that passes by. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it. In fact, some of the most delightful sites in nature are caught in the cold. I took a recent winter nature hike and saw the biggest most incredible owl I had ever seen. Dress accordingly and keep your eyes wide open. There is beauty in nature all year around.
Revel in some cake.
For goodness sake, eat the damn cake. Just eat it and enjoy every morsel. Life is to short to do otherwise.
Make some soup.
Soup might just be the most warming and nourishing meal one can make. A steaming bowl of your favorite soup is the perfect combatant to the winter blues. Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also hot contents fill the house with smells that say “come in, join me.”
Savor a cup of coffee or your favorite hot drink.
We are accustomed to coffee on the go because life is busy and time is often of the essence. I am saying make time for your coffee and enjoy every last sip. Whether you make it or buy it, try drinking it out of a proper glass mug or cup and ditch the phone while you do. Notice what it is about the taste of the coffee that you love so much. Perhaps share this moment with a friend. Coffee time is a cozy time if you play your cards right.
Drink some glogg.
When life gives you subzero temps and boatloads of snow make glogg! This stuff is stiff and delicious and just the thing to pass the wintertime.
Play a game or do a puzzle.
I’m not talking about the kind of games that connect to the TV. Play a board game or some cards and enjoy some human connection and a little fun with the ones you love. And if you aren’t into human interaction, I guess you can play solitaire then. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy do something for your brain and do a puzzle.
I hope this inspired you to accept what is and make the best of the winter.
xo, Michelle
Leave a Reply