Romanticizing The Winter

I may be one of the few people I know who love the Winter. Well, my dog, Harry, also loves it. But most of my family and friends would take the Spring and Summer over these colder months any day and are already longing for sun, warmth, and t-shirts.

The reality is that we have the next few months of winter to contend with. Here are a few ways to romanticize it if you’re not a fan of Jack Frost:

1. Drink something warm in your favourite mug and get cozy. Winter is a time for spending more time indoors than you would typically spend any other time of the year. So take out your favourite mug (or teacup, if you want to get fancy), select a comforting and soothing tea, and pick a favourite hobby to indulge in for a few hours (engage in flow!). Maybe it’s reading a book under a warm blanket, putting a pair of cozy socks on and listening to your favourite musician, watching a movie, playing a board game with your family, painting….

2. If you love the cooler temps like I do, spend time outdoors! Skiing, skating, snowboarding, tobogganing, or making snow angels. These activities not only help you connect with loved ones, but they also keep you moving and keep you warm! You might also go for an awe walk and practice gratitude. What are you thankful for today? Or, what are you spotting on your walk for the first time?

3. Make your favourite comfort food. Now is the time to make something that feels like you’re being enveloped in a warm hug. Soups, stews, pasta, or, if you’re like me, grilled cheese and tomato soup, followed by a freshly baked pan of brownies (this is also nostalgic for me and makes me think of childhood ❤️)

4. Take a long, warm bath or shower. Nothing is more relaxing than putting some soothing epsom salts in your bath or favourite bubble bath, or using a nice smelling shower steamer. This is also a great opportunity to practice mindfulness.

5. Create a Winter Happiness Jar. My husband and I have a jar that we fill with activities to do during the Winter so neither of us is turning to the other and saying, “I’m bored”. Some ideas: try a new restaurant or order in, cook a favourite meal together, make a hot chocolate charcuterie board and start a new Netflix show, go on a road trip, have a reading date, start a puzzle and listen to music…the possibilities are endless!

What do you do to romanticize the Winter months?

~Kate