Hello hello, and welcome to Episode 47 of Life On the Brink!
The bustle of the holidays, along with the energy of the New Year, is behind us, and we are all now solidly in what is probably the most difficult season of the year: winter. For some reason, even though the darkest day of the year, the winter solstice, falls just before Christmas, the darkness seems more apparent in January. At least where I live, the cold doesn’t really set in until this time, and glimpses of sunshine that make it through the grey clouds must be savoured.
However, I believe that there is beauty to be found and life to be enjoyed during this winter season, and though it may not come as readily apparent as it does during the freshness of spring or the abundance of summer, it’s still there, waiting to be discovered. In short: I am opening myself to winter’s magic this year, and am sharing it all with you here on the blog and podcast.
First, I’m going to present a perspective shift that is helping me see winter with new eyes this year. Then, and only then, I’ll share some more tangible (dareisay, practical?) ways to enjoy even this season of winter.
What’s in my teacup? Harney and Sons Chocolate Mint Tea
This week I asked over on Instagram if anyone out there really loved winter, and for those that do, why? What’s funny is that several people messaged me to tell me how much they don’t like winter (it seems there are many with this opinion), but I did get several responses in winter’s defense, however. These were the main themes:
-the next-level coziness
-fashion is more interesting (layering and such)
-snow is beautiful
-going out has to be more intentional
And the thing is, I think all those things are true too! Also, if you get consistent snowfall, I feel like it’s already so much more magical than the winter I see. Here in southeast Virginia, it’s only cold and wet and grey, and the occasional snow usually melts within a day. But I digress.
It’s not my goal within this podcast episode to convert us all to absolutely loving winter; we’re all delightfully different. But while we’re in it, we may as well enjoy it.
I think the key to enjoying winter is two-fold: it’s in embracing the beautiful things that come with it, and by accepting (rather than ignoring) the things we don’t like and then shifting our perspective.
If you think about it, sometimes it’s the same things that are considered “magical” during Christmastime that become so dreary to us come January. So many songs are about getting bundled up to brave the snow, embracing the cold, only to return home to cozy evenings at home, complete with hot chocolate and candlelight. However, along with all that magic, December also comes with tons of parties, concerts, obligations, and, sometimes, stress. I remember just last month counting down how many concerts and gigs I had left before I could rest and enjoy Christmas. So really, the quieter months of January are the perfect opportunity to actually enjoy those magical moments.
I speak a lot about rest on this podcast, not only because it’s so important for us, but also because it’s so undervalued these days. One of the best things about winter, I would say, is the opportunity, even the obligation, to rest. Our commitments become much lessened in January, and it’s a chance to recharge and reset. Just as excitement and energy is needed during the summer, so is the peace and quiet that comes in winter. Perhaps this year we can embrace the slowness a bit more, and enjoy winter for what it is, rather than hating it for what it is not, knowing that the seasons will eventually change, as they always do.
If there’s anything I’ve learned over these last two years (two YEARS?) of on-and-off quarantine is that when things feel too closed in, too dark, as sometimes winter can, it helps to simply stop, breathe, and look at the day, the moment in front of you. Today is a gift, even if it’s cold outside.
It’s all up to you. It’s only a matter of your perspective.
So then, with that in mind, let’s look at some ways that we can enjoy winter this year:
One of the best parts about living seasonally is in embracing the things that are only available during certain parts of the year. For example, I look forward to juicy, ripe watermelons each summer, and even though technically I could maybe find an imported watermelon at a supermarket, winter’s not its time, it won’t be as enjoyable now. I don’t find myself drawn to the beach or to large gatherings as much, either. As the days warm up, so do my desires to enjoy the fruits of that season.
Believe it or not, there are things that are best enjoyed, or perhaps only enjoyed, during winter. I’ve compiled a little list of things to try:
WAYS TO ENJOY WINTER MAGIC
1. Make a tea latte. It’s the best time for it, and you can listen to Episode 19 to learn how to make one!
2. Invest in winter wear you love. Josh got me the most gorgeous, emerald green, princess-twirl-worthy winter coat for Christmas and it's really been a game changer.
3. Make the most of your daylight. Whether it's an invigorating walk in the early morning or some time spent outside in the afternoon, soak it up while you can.
4. Also, make the change to nighttime a ritual. Cozifying the home is a lovely part of my evening routine. The curtains are drawn, soft lamps are lit, and the evening can begin.
5. Don’t save the good china. Now more than ever, incorporate "special" things into your routine more regularly. Whether it's your favorite teacup or a sweater that you love, don't save it for a "more special" time, enjoy it now!
6. Go to a museum, to the movies, or to the theater. These are all super fun places to go without having to stay out in the cold.
7. Add more candles. Of course we all love a scented candle, but adding more tapered candles or tealights just for the sake of the soft glow really brings another level of cozy to the space.
8. Gather regularly, perhaps as a ritual to look forward to. Building your social relationships take a bit more intentionality in the winter, and one of the best ways to keep them up is with regular, even weekly or monthly meetings. Making sure to get things in your schedule, rather than waiting for social opportunities that increase in the warmer months, will feed not only your relationship, but your sweet little heart.
9. Enjoy the quiet. Practice gratitude instead of boredom. If you have a moment of "nothing," let it be enjoyed, soak it up.
10. Plan this year’s garden, or plan a vacation. It’s sowing seeds that will reap later in the year (plus who doesn’t love planning?).
11. Slow down and read a wintery book. I recommend checking out this video to find a good one.
12. Enjoy entertainment that celebrates the cold. I think “Outlander” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” are good ones, and I’ve been saving “Anne With an E” specifically for this season.
13. Cook hearty, warming dishes to feed your body and soul. I really love making variations on this spaghetti squash recipe.
More inspiration:
-from the blog: The Best Oatmeal, and how to survive the end of winter
This Week’s Little Joy: “Taste: My Life Through Food” by Stanley Tucci. I'm only 50 pages in and it's already my favorite book I've read this year. I don't laugh out loud much when reading, but this book is delightful and witty and has recipes you guys. It's just a joy.
What I’m Listening To: “Music for Museum Gift Shops” by Lullatone. This is by a Japanese musical duo that make really sweet, kinda whimsical music. This album in particular is just solo piano and really makes for the perfect background music. It makes small moments feel so quaint and special; I highly recommend listening.
Thank you so much for listening! If you haven't already, it would mean so much if you left a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, or shared this episode with someone.
Until next time, have a lovely week, friends, and happy winter.