Weather changes do happen every year, and this year is no exception. There is that time in the year where numbers start dropping, and my worry for “winter is coming” starts to slightly arouse to the point that I begin to feel an overwhelmingness of slight anxiety. It never gets better until, let’s say, in May when summer is around the corner. But I have decided to do things differently this year. Instead of worrying about the winter and the cold and the snow, and the temperature going below zero, something I can’t do anything about just yet, I have decided to fix my mind on the things that I love about winter because they exist. Still, the season’s worries overtake the positivity the season carries. So let’s dive in.
1. It’s cozy
Let’s face it, curling up on your couch at home with a blanket while the snow is falling outside, and you can see it through the window, which is one of the things I can not describe. It feels whole. And you can top that occasion up with a good book or an excellent movie with the fireplace going (If you have one, of course). It feels great in the wintertime than at any other time of the year. There’s a-bit of unexplainable settledness to it.
2. Christmas
Over the past few years, Christmas has come to be my favorite holiday, something about it. I entirely love the fact that everyone seems to be in a good mood, that’s one. What makes it even better is when it starts to get dark at 4 pm. Let me pause for a sec here. I have a bittersweet feeling about this fact. Sometimes I am not okay with it being dark so early, but other times like during the Christmas holidays when the lights are out, Christmas decorations, Christmas music in the streets, I must say, I’m in love with that element. I have been to warm places during Christmas, and I prefer this particular holiday in areas that experience winter. It just feels right this way.
3. Burning candles
Our home has a candle or two burnings during winter. It’s just natural to either have that or the fire place going. Summertime doesn’t call that out for me enough, but winter speaks more of those vibes. I love scents. I love collecting candle scents and the whole vibe to the situation. It’s just lovely, appealing, and adds a bit of personality to a home.
4. Dressing up
My favorite time of the year to dress up for is winter or colder weather. I love putting together layers. It took me a while to get to that position, but the cold weather will teach you to be creative, and being in Chicago, definitely helped to get me started. Playing dress up in the winter is fun once you get familiar with it. The officer jackets and coats, fancy boats, the Timberlands, I mean, it’s a whole vibe, and I am always here for it.
5. Christmas movies and music
Winter TV and watching Christmas specials after thanksgiving is a thing now in our home. Topping that up with a cup of hot cocoa and a snaggle, curled up on the couch with a person you love or friends you can stand, television means so much more in the winter, and so are books. There are also movies I watch only during the cold winter season, say rewatches of Harry Potter will never grow old. I also have friends who re-read Harry Potter and other related books only during this time of the year.
6. Ski/snowboarding
Disclaimer, I do neither. However, I have friends who do, and I enjoy their excitement for these activities. It’s infectious. So I’m always excited for them, and I give them time to hear about their plans for these activities.
7. Winter escapes to a warmer climate
When it’s winter, it doesn’t mean that it’s all winter for the rest of the world. So far, this is my favorite part of the winter season. Getting to plan trips to warmer places. Nothing is refreshing like escaping below zero degrees weather to somewhere that’s 70 degrees. And you should try this!
8. New Journals for the new year
I love to journal, and I am experiencing this space. Each year, I explore different journals, I see what worked the year before and what did not work, and from there, I make adjustments to journaljustments. I am always excited about seeing how that’s going to look like for me
9. Making new year resolutions and the New year itself
I call them new year’s goals instead of new year resolutions because I find “goals” more effective. But I am always reflecting on the previous year and setting goals for the new year based on those reflections. Also, I love the new year. I think that it’s my second favorite holiday. There is something about it that screams, fresh start!
10. Lastly, looking forward to summer
Yes, yes, I know, but you know when you’re on a diet, and you have a cheat day? You have to savor the sense of anticipation, but the fact of the matter is you do still need a silver lining in any aspect of life, especially one that is still not a favorite.
So yes, though the past years I have been dreading winter and judging anyone who loves this season, this year is different. I am focusing on the things I love about winter, and you should too. I’ll report back on how this new change is going sometime in mid-January or February.
Thanks for reading!
