This is the second post in my “Romanticize the Season” series. This time we are going to romanticize Winter, a season I often find challenging. But that’s all the more reason to really dig in and make the most of it, right?
This post may contain affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more here.
ROMANTICIZE THE SEASON:
WINTER
If you know me or have followed me very long you probably know that winter is my least favorite season. Maybe it has something to do with having grown up in the sunny High Desert of Southern California but I need lots of sunshine to thrive. Shorter periods of sunlight and overcast days take their toll on my mental health and I know I’m not alone in that.
However, there are many things we can (and should!) do to mitigate the effects of these short winter days. I’ve put together a big list of ideas to share with you. I hope you find inspiration to make this season cozy and more cheerful.
MAKE A WINTER PLAYLIST
Let’s start with music. Make a point of listening to lots of music during the winter. Consider creating your own winter-themed playlist. Here is one I created just for this blog post to share with you:
CREATE A WINTER PHONE WALLPAPER
Most of us look at our phones multiple times a day. Why not get a little dose of Winter each time? If you don’t know how to create one, here are a couple of links to help:
How to make your own phone wallpaper using Canva
PUT TOGETHER A SELF CARE BASKET
Self care is important year-round but perhaps even more so in the winter. Find a cute basket or other container and fill it with your favorite self care items. These can include such things as a good hand cream, a nail file and cuticle oil, the latest issue of your favorite magazine (I love Victoria or British Home), a book (perhaps poetry or something inspirational), a special treat, a journal and pen, a coloring book and crayons or colored pencils, a hand craft such as crochet or knitting, cozy socks, your favorite tea, a scented candle, etc. Once you’ve assembled your items, make a point to use them regularly!
CREATE A WINTER PINTEREST BOARD
Pinterest is a wealth of inspiration so why not use it to help you romanticize winter? Set aside a few minutes a day (or an hour – I won’t judge!) to look for ideas to make this season special. I just started a Pinterest board for winter so there’s not much on it yet but you can see it here:
Romanticize the Season ~ Winter
If you have a winter board I’d love it if you’d share the link in the comments below.
COLLECT WINTER QUOTES
Just as we did for autumn, let’s start collecting quotes about winter. You can print them in a journal or find other ways to save your favorites.
KEEP THE TWINKLE LIGHTS UP
Just because the Christmas tree eventually has to be taken down (or does it??) that doesn’t mean we can’t leave twinkle lights up throughout winter. In fact, consider adding an additional strand or two. Drape them across a bookcase, outline the bathroom mirror, hang them in window over the kitchen sink, or anywhere else you can think of. The warm glow adds a bit of sparkle and magic in the evenings or during dreary days.
28 Ways to Use Those Magical String Lights
PERFECT A STEW RECIPE
I adore a steaming bowl of rich, fragrant beef stew. Winter is the perfect time to simmer stew on the stove for a couple of hours, enjoying the aroma all afternoon and anticipating mealtime. Do you have a good recipe? If not, make this the winter that you seek out a good stew recipe and keep tweaking it until it is just perfect.
If you don’t eat beef, look for vegetarian stews featuring lentils or beans. These can still be delicious and satisfying.
TAKE HOT BATHS OR SHOWERS
Indulge in bubble baths or the occasional extra long, steamy shower. Take time to exfoliate your skin and then moisturize from head to toe when you get out. If it’s “clean sheet night”, all the better. Is there anything better than sliding between the sheets of a freshly made bed immediately after a bubble bath or hot shower?
GET OUTDOORS
I’ll admit that this one is a challenge for me. When the weather turns cold I apparently turn into a bear and hibernate in my den. But it’s important to spend some time outdoors in the fresh air and to try to get as much sunshine as possible.
David and I have decided that we will bundle up and walk to our mailbox after lunch each day unless the weather is just too awful. Our house is tucked away in the woods so it’s about a quarter mile walk out to the road where our mailbox is. That seems like a reasonable outdoor walk even when it’s cold.
If you have an outdoor area like a porch, patio, deck or balcony, plan to spend time out there. We bought an outdoor heater for our covered patio, as well as a fire table. David just put the heater together and I’m going to encourage us to sit outdoors throughout the winter. Even 20 minutes while sipping a cup of hot chocolate will be good for us.
If you want to take this to the next level read about 1000 Hours Outside.
READ POETRY
So many people stop reading poetry after they get out of school. If you haven’t read poetry since the last time a teacher assigned it, why not make this the winter that you rediscover the pleasure of the poem?
10 Reasons to Begin Reading Poetry
LISTEN TO WHOLE ALBUMS
Are you old enough to remember how fun it was to buy a new vinyl album and listen to the whole thing, both sides, from start to finish? Some albums truly are meant to be listened to that way. Many artists are quite intentional about the sequencing of the songs on an album, something missed if we only listen to certain songs in a random order.
This winter, try spending some time listening to whole albums in order. You can do this on streaming services like Spotify or Apple but if you happen to have a turntable and vinyl records (something I recommend, by the way) take the time to truly enjoy the experience of focusing on a whole album, start to finish.
The benefits of listening to albums in their entirety
LAUGH
Watch comedy series and funny movies. Read humorous books. Enjoy a comedy show. Take turns reading jokes with your partner/friend/kids. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
David and I have recently started watching Mrs. Brown’s Boys each night before we go to sleep. It is hilarious (not child-friendly, however!) and we both crack up numerous times per episode.
We are also compiling a list of movie comedies to enjoy this winter. A few of our favorites are:
- The Jerk (most of David’s jokes come from this one)
- Weekend at Bernie’s
- Young Frankenstein
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- Airplane
- Dr. Strangelove
- Mrs. Doubtfire
- Caddyshack
What are your favorite comedies?
COZY SLIPPERS
I recently bought the BEST slippers! They are easy to slip on, have a rubber sole so I can step out onto the porch or patio in them and they are lined with the coziest fleece.
If you don’t have a pair of slippers you love, now is the time to find YOUR perfect slipper.
WEAR CUTE HATS, TIGHTS, SWEATERS
I just bought a pair of purple tights and a purple beret to wear with a black dress on Christmas day. I have a beautiful, warm scarf that I bought in Paris that I’ll wear with this outfit.
While I’m more of a maxi dress with Birkenstocks girl, winter requires warmer options. The nice thing about winter clothing, however, is that it’s largely the accessories which make the outfit. That means you can jazz up your clothes with inexpensive things such as colorful tights, hats, scarves, and cardigans. And if you happen to put on a few pounds during the holidays, these things still fit. Bonus!
MAKE A WINTER BOOKMARK
We did this for fall but reading is year round, right? Get out your craft supplies and make a special winter bookmark.
ENJOY COPIOUS QUANTITIES OF HOT DRINKS
No one has to encourage me to do this one! Whether you prefer tea, coffee or hot chocolate, winter is the perfect excuse to curl up with a warm drink often.
CHOOSE A WINTER COCKTAIL
Once a week or so, my husband and I enjoy a cocktail at home. Lately we’ve been having ours on Friday nights while watching a couple of episodes of The O.C. My favorite cocktail is a gin martini with a twist of lemon but winter seems to call for something with brandy or whiskey. Does that make sense to anyone else or have I just read too many Rosamunde Pilcher novels? It seems there are numerous scenes in her books where someone comes indoors, chilled to the bones, and is told to warm themselves by the fire while the host/hostess pours them a glass of brandy or whiskey.
In any case, if you drink alcohol, it might be fun to find a cocktail that you just enjoy during the winter.
Christmas Cocktails ~ A Giant Roundup of Recipes
HAVE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO
Anticipation makes life sweeter so make some plans. These can be something big like a future vacation but small daily or weekly things can be important, too. I look forward to my morning cup of tea and reading in bed each night. Our weekly ritual of cocktails while watching The O.C. is a fun thing to anticipate.
Brainstorm a list of things you can add to your life to increase the joy of anticipation.
Have Something to Look Forward to Every Day
BUY A NEW MUG
I think it’s fun to have a special mug for each season. This is the one I’m currently considering. It’s an insulated tumbler, rather than a mug, but I think this would be perfect for hot chocolate on the patio.
But you don’t have to buy anything new. If you already have several mugs, perhaps you could designate one or two for each season and put the others away somewhere. There’s something fun about looking forward to using things seasonally.
WATCH WINTER MOVIES
Make a list of winter movies to watch over the next few months. Here are some ideas:
75 Great Winter Movies to Warm Up With This Year
PREPARE FOR SNOW DAYS
If you live where it snows or gets icy it’s wise to prepare ahead. There’s a sense of comfort in knowing you are prepared to weather a winter storm. In addition to the survival necessities, think about what would make a snow day cozy and fun. Games? Hot chocolate? A new book to read? Plan ahead and when it snows, you can make the most of a day at home.
Emergency Preparedness ~ The Basics
CHANGE TO WINTER SCENTS
Unless you only use unscented products plan to switch up the scents of everything – dish soap, hand soap, candles, essential oils, perfume, shower gel, etc. Method and Caldrea brands offer some great choices. Here are some ideas to get you started:
15 Best Winter Perfumes That Are Oh So Cozy
Your Guide to the Best Winter Scents
12 Holiday-Scented Cleaning Products We Love
WATCH WINTER AMBIENCE VIDEOS
What if you live someplace without much winter weather but you want that vibe? Check out winter ambience videos on YouTube. A crackling fireplace is the obvious choice but there are also videos of gently falling snow or even blizzards.
Also check out Cecilia Blomdahl’s channel. She and her partner live on Svalbard, an island near the North Pole. Find out what it’s like to live in the darkest place on earth and then feel grateful for any light or sunshine you get during the winter. It’s all about perspective, right?
INVEST IN A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS
Cold, wet feet are miserable. If you are going to enjoy time outdoors in winter, you need a nice warm pair of boots. This is something I’m in the market for myself. I do have a pair of Hunter brand wellingtons but they are over 8 years old and have a little crack in one so are no longer totally waterproof. They are still fine for a quick walk outdoors and I bought them large enough that I can wear a couple of pairs of thick socks inside if I need to. But I want to start looking for something waterproof AND warm. Any suggestions?
DECORATE FOR WINTER – NOT JUST CHRISTMAS!
It’s always a little sad when the Christmas decorations come down. Even though I leave them up until mid-January, we still have at least a couple more months of winter.
A few years ago I bought a package of snowflake ornaments. I remove the stockings from the lighted garland on the bannister and hang snowflakes on it. I’ve been known to leave the Christmas tree up and redecorate it for Mardi Gras.
Snowmen, snowflakes, red cardinals, forest animals, evergreens, pinecones and such are some possibilities for winter-themed decor.
21 Ideas to Transition From Christmas Into Winter Decor
Of course, come February you can decorate for Valentine’s Day.
READ WINTER BOOKS
Read books set during winter. My favorite? Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher.
25 Classic Winter Books to Read By the Fire
PLAN A GARDEN
In early January the garden and seed catalogs start arriving in my mailbox. I’m never quite sure if I feel inspired or as if I’m being taunted, especially if it’s very cold and snowy when they arrive. Winter is the perfect time to plan your spring garden.
And here’s a little secret: You can do this even if you don’t have a garden or know that you aren’t likely to plant one. If, like me, you were enchanted by the book, The Secret Garden as a child, put your imagination to work and plan the most beautiful garden. Send away for seed and plant catalogs. Start a Pinterest board. Sketch out your plans. Get out your colored pencils and spend an hour or two creating your dream garden.
PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH
You can’t enjoy winter (or any season) if you don’t feel well. It’s important to exercise, drink plenty of water, maintain a regular sleep schedule, get some sunshine, and eat well. Consider getting your vitamin D level checked. Almost 1 in 4 American adults are considered low in vitamin D and low levels can lead to fatigue, depression, muscle weakness and getting sick frequently.
INVEST IN A REALLY GOOD MOISTURIZING BODY LOTION
Cold weather, low humidity and heated homes can contribute to dry skin. Find a rich and creamy body lotion or cream that works for you and then make it a habit to use it at least once a day but preferably twice. Slather it on generously and help keep itchy skin at bay. If you aren’t bothered by scents, look for a lotion that smells delicious and enjoy that extra sensory pleasure.
My grandmother always used Jergens lotion and to this day I love that cherry almond scent. David loves it, too, so I suspect his mom and/or grandmothers used it as well. It’s our usual, year-round choice although I also like to have something richer and more intensely moisturizing in the winter. Our kids’ pediatrician recommended Eucerin for our daughter’s eczema-prone skin. Do you have a favorite to recommend?
EMBRACE THE DOWNTIME
If your life tends to be overly busy you might really enjoy some downtime in the winter. Granted, not everyone’s schedules lighten up this time of year but if yours does, consider embracing the opportunity to rest and relax in your own home. Humans may not actually hibernate but there may be something to be said for a slower, quieter time during this season. I found this article interesting:
Human hibernation: the restoring effects of hiding away in winter
ARTIST DATES
If you’ve read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron you’ll be familiar with the concept of artist dates. Here is the author’s own description:
The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore
something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly
“artistic” — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the
imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the
play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well
of images and inspiration. When choosing an Artist Date, it is good to ask
yourself, “what sounds fun?” — and then allow yourself to try it.
Doesn’t that sound fun? Try scheduling a weekly artist date throughout this winter. That’s what I’m going to do!
A quick online search will turn up oodles of ideas to get you started. And here is the link to my Pinterest board:
GET A HEAD START ON SPRING CLEANING
Cleaning? How is that romantic? Okay, hear me out. No one expects you to spring clean until…well…spring. But if you choose to do a bit of deep cleaning during the winter, that can actually make you feel super productive. Choose a task that isn’t too onerous and is satisfying to YOU when completed.
My mom would definitely choose to organize her linen closet. Refolding all the towels perfectly and arranging by color was her task of choice whenever we were expecting company. Never mind that these last minute visitors would never see the linen closet but might be more inclined to notice my brothers’ toys or Dad’s stack of newspapers in the living room. It’s a long-running family joke but this is exactly the sort of winter project to tackle.
My preferred task is a thorough dusting of bookshelves. Throughout the year I use an ostrich feather duster on the edges of all my bookshelves and across the top of the books, as best I can. But once a year I like to remove each book, one shelf at a time, polish the shelf and give each book a good a dusting.
Other ideas:
- organize your desk or dresser drawers
- polish crystal or silver
- organize your spices (toss old ones and replace with fresh for winter cooking)
- give your pantry a good cleaning and do an inventory
- clean every mirror in your house, taking time to polish them until they sparkle
- deep clean your kitchen sink using the FlyLady’s “Shine Your Sink” method
LIMIT SCREEN TIME
Infinite phone scrolling and Netflix binge watching can easily become our default during the long, dark days of winter. But do either of these leave you feeling energized, creative and proud of yourself? Probably not. There’s a time and place for these, of course, but try not to let excessive screen time get the best of you.
There are plenty of recommendations out there to help you set limits and abide by them. Read a few articles and/or watch a couple of YouTube videos on the subject (yes, I’m aware of the irony here) and then decide what is a reasonable limit for you.
WINTER COLORING BOOK
I can easily spend a half hour happily coloring away, totally engrossed in the activity. If you enjoy coloring, gift yourself a new coloring book for winter, get out your crayons/markers/colored pencils and let the world get on without you for awhile.
Winter Wonderland Coloring Book
HAVE A PLANNING DAY/WEEKEND
Many of us will be setting goals and making plans for the new year. Schedule a planning day, or a whole weekend if you can, to consider the year ahead. This can be as formal or informal as you’d like. You can set up a new planner, make lists, brainstorm ideas, etc.
BUY FRESH FLOWERS EACH WEEK
I would like nothing better than to have my house full of fresh flowers at all times, year round. That’s not in my budget but even a small bouquet from Aldi or a single flower from our local florist adds a nice touch. I’m going to make this a priority this winter.
If you don’t care for fresh flowers, perhaps a flowering plant or bulb would be an option. We just received an amaryllis bulb from friends for Christmas and I’m looking forward to watching it grow and flower.
BEESWAX CANDLES
There is something extra special about beeswax candles. If you are sensitive to scented candles these are a great alternative. Put a pair of candlesticks with beeswax candles on your table and light them each night before dinner. Or gather a few pillar candles on a silver tray and light them each evening when you settle down to read, listen to music or watch a movie.
START A NEW RITUAL
Rituals make our daily lives more meaningful and enjoyable. It can be as simple as reading a poem each morning while drinking your morning cup of coffee or tea. Give thought to your day and think of at least one part you can elevate into a ritual.
SEARCH FOR ONLINE EVENTS
For a number of reasons, people tend to get out less during the cold months of winter (after the holidays, that is). But one of the gifts of the pandemic has been an increase in online events. You can watch a ballet, take a course, have a game night with friends, take a virtual tour, do a fitness class, listen to a lecture or any number of other options.
AARP has many free offerings and they are open to anyone, not just members. You can also search for virtual events on Facebook.
Our daughter found someone who does virtual trivia nights and has scheduled one for our family to do just before Christmas.
CREATE A WINTER BUCKET LIST
It’s all too easy to have good intentions but lack follow through. As you look through these ideas for romanticizing winter, why not choose the ones that resonate with you and create a winter bucket list? Post it someplace you’ll see every day and make a point of scheduling time to do some fun things. You’ll enjoy winter so much more!
~~~~~
Would you like a printable list from this blog post? Click here: Romanticize the Season Winter printable.
Romanticize the Season Winter Printable PDF
Other posts in this series:
Romanticize the Season ~ Autumn
Romanticize the Season ~ Spring
Romanticize the Season ~ Summer
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY…
How to Prepare for Winter When You’re a Summer Girl
How to Prepare for Winter ~ Part 2
Winter Solstice ~ Traditions and Celebrations
Romanticize the Season ~ Autumn
Thank you for this post! I also find winter tough.
I hope it helps! I just keep reminding myself that after today the days start getting longer.
I’ve been thinking of January and some of the items you’ve touched on are on my list for next month. I’ve got the ‘special seasonal mug’, get outdoors (even if it’s just to it in the sunlight for ten minutes), flowers, a special coffee or tea to enjoy each afternoon…I’m still working on my list but appreciate that you’ve shared yours for winter as it will help me be mindful of what other things I want to include.
I look forward to hearing any other ideas you have. This is a challenging season for many of us.
This was a wonderful post filled with all kinds of lovely, cozy ideas to get through winter. It is my least favorite season, too. I’m having fun looking through your links and Pinterest boards.
Happy Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you, Melanie! Happy Christmas to you and yours!