I’m going to be completely honest with you for a second. I really do not like Winter, and embracing it can be quite a challenge for me. I know that I’m not alone, especially as Seasonal Affective Disorder is quite common in the Winter months. And honestly, Winter is such a pain in the rear between the cold itself, the icy roads and walkways, and most of its other annoyances. But we all know that we can’t stop Winter from coming. And because I live in the Midwest, Winter arrives far too early and overstays its welcome. Certainly, I could complain about it all throughout the season. And I most likely will.
But I know that purely wallowing in my disdain for Winter isn’t going to do me any favors. So I might as well embrace this chilly and snowy season in any way that I can. Especially knowing that embracing Winter is one of the best ways to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. And to simply make the season just a little bit more tolerable. Besides, there is a lot of beauty to Winter, even when my bitterness doesn’t want to admit it. And honestly, why should any of us be letting something that’s out of our control to consume our joy? Because while we can’t control the seasons or the weather, we can choose to see the best in every season.
The Snow Is Actually Quite Beautiful
When we don’t have to drive, walk, or do anything in the snow aside from admire it, the snow truly is quite lovely. Even I have to admit that it’s quite enchanting to watch the snow fall from the sky like confetti. And the snow looks quite beautiful sitting on rooftops, tree branches, benches, and everything else. Plus, it’s quite glittery and sparkly in the sunlight. Making it the perfect natural outdoor holiday decoration. Honestly, while I don’t like dealing with the snow, I do love to look at it. Heck, I wouldn’t even have an issue with playing in it given the opportunity on a 30º day.
And another great thing about the snow? It certainly brightens things up as it reflects more light back into the snowy landscape. I must give the snow some credit for brightening up even the cloudiest of Winter days and making them a little less gloomy. Really, the snow would be quite an enjoyable part of Winter if it weren’t for the challenges and annoyances it brings. Take out the traffic difficulties, the possibility of ice, and the shoveling, and the snow is a glistening beauty.
The Warm Blankets and Cozy Vibes
One of my favorite things about the colder weather outside is the cozy vibes that Winter brings inside. I actually look forward to embracing the coziness and toasty vibes of the Winter months. And being able to enjoy some of my favorite sensory comforts without judgment. Or without sweating. Because honestly, I love the feeling of being wrapped up in a blanket, just as a sensory comfort. But wrapping up in a throw blanket in the middle of July certainly brings about a bit of judgment and unwarranted questions. And heavy blankets are comforting at night, but they will leave you sweating on an August night. You get the idea.
But in December, it’s almost expected to wrap up in a cozy blanket as you unwind and play a cozy game. Albeit, in December, you’re actually cold and not just looking for sensory comfort, but that’s beside the point. Plus, Winter is a time to lean in to everything cozy and fully embrace slowness, softness, and warmth. Winter invites us to slowly sip our hot cocoa and dive into a good book. Or to allow ourselves a calm evening on the sofa, cuddling our pets and living in the moment. It’s honestly quite lovely, and we should all take the invitation to give ourselves permission to slow down and cozy up.
Winter Gives Us An Excuse To Stay Indoors
Certainly, this one may fall more into my own personal preferences. But I will admit, for someone who gripes so much about Winter, I am definitely more of an indoorsy girly anyway. And honestly, the cold, snowy weather just gives me more of an excuse to indulge in my favorite indoor hobbies. In reality, I should be loving Winter as much as I love a stormy Autumnal afternoon. Because while I do enjoy going for walks and enjoying a few outdoor activities, most of my hobbies are indoor activities.
After all, when it’s 15º, and the snow is blowing, there is no guilt about choosing to sit at my desk and write. I don’t feel as though I should be soaking up the daylight outside, rather than playing a cozy game all afternoon in the Winter. Honestly, Winter is the optimal time of year to start embracing all of your indoor hobbies. Whether it be existing hobbies, or ones you wish to start as the temperatures drop below freezing. And honestly, Winter is the best time of year to shamelessly be a bit of a homebody.
Winter Fashion and Style
While pulling my Winter coats out of storage makes me quite bitter, because of what they represent, I must say, Winter fashion is quite chic. That said, when it comes time to brave the elements, it can be a lot of fun to put together some unique cold-weather looks. And honestly, the way that outerwear can be pieced together to make a look in its own makes Winter fashion quite fun. There are so many chic and classy Winter jackets out there that can become cherished pieces in our collection. And when paired with the right gloves, hat, and scarf, your outerwear becomes its own unique look. Really, you get to wear two different outfits at once.
And, of course, we can’t forget about the warm sweaters, fuzzy socks, boots, and cozy patterns that are a natural part of Winter style. And the generally neutral color palette of Winter fashion works well into almost everyone’s personal style. Although I’m not afraid to incorporate a bit more color into my Winter wardrobe. Because honestly, you want to be sure to make your Winter wardrobe your own, and let your personal style influence what pieces you choose for Winter. You’re not limited to a neutral color palette just because it’s trendy. Nor are you limited to certain patterns or styles. Have some fun choosing cozy pieces that feel authentic to your style.
Hot Cocoa and Wintery Treats
Winter undeniably has some delightful treats, be it delectable sweet treats, the hot soups, or the hot chocolate. I swear, hot chocolate almost single-handedly makes Winter much more tolerable. Hot cocoa is one of the first things that I find myself embracing about Winter with no hesitation. I don’t even feel the slightest bit of Wintery resentment as I’m mixing my hot chocolate packet into my coffee. Or as I’m enjoying those divine desserts that often get baked during the Winter holiday season. I love those rich chocolate brownies, delightful sugar cookies, and cranberry pies. Nor can I get enough pomegranate in the Winter months.
Honestly, I enjoy the warm and savory flavors that are often enjoyed in the Winter. I love a hot bowl of chilli after a long day at work in the middle of January. And having a bowl of soup for lunch on a cold afternoon is quite a treat. Certainly, the comfort food is such a lovely part of Winter that’s easy to embrace. Especially the hot chocolate. Or the peppermint mochas. Listen, my lovely, we all need something to look forward to about this chilly season. So let yourself get excited over a sweet, hot drink, and make it your own special moment when you get to enjoy it.
Winter Holidays and Celebrations
It’s no secret that Winter has a ton of holidays and celebrations that are fun to take part in. The Winter Solstice itself kicks off the celebrations of Yule, which are so delightful to take part in. It’s such a wonderful time for reflection and celebration as we celebrate the shortest day of the year and the slow return of the sun. And Imbolc makes a wonderful time to celebrate the midpoint between Winter and Spring on the 1st day of February. Honestly, these celebrations are so lovely for embracing the seasonal changes from Autumn into Winter, and Winter into Spring. As we listen to the lessons that our lovely planet has for us throughout the season.
And of course, it’s impossible not to mention the exciting holiday season that comes along with December. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or some combination of the above, it’s certainly quite an exciting time. The decorations and lights are certainly so dazzling to look at. And while many of us would rather not hear it before Thanksgiving, holiday music is quite catchy and fun to listen to. Heck, even the process of shopping for gifts and wrapping can be fun sometimes. The holidays are such a special and joyful time, albeit also a bit chaotic. Which may be why I’m more of a New Year’s girly myself.
I could really go on and on about New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I love the idea of a fresh start. And honestly? Winter itself carries that clean slate energy, making it fitting that New Year’s happens near the beginning of Winter.
And can I just give a quick shoutout to Valentine’s Day? Because you don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy the holiday of love. No, really, you don’t.
Winter Helps Us Appreciate Spring and Summer More
Is it a little counter-productive to be thinking about Spring and Summer as we’re simultaneously embracing Winter? Maybe a little bit. But honestly, as someone who adores Spring and Summer, Winter has a way of appreciating those seasons even more. Because honestly, it’s the dark, cold, gloomy days that truly make me realize just how much I love the long, warm, sunny days of Summer. If it weren’t for Winter, Spring’s arrival wouldn’t be nearly as exciting. And those Summer days spent enjoying a glass of lemonade on the back patio would feel too routine. Honestly, the changing of the seasons is what keeps things fresh and exciting.
Certainly, I’m eagerly awaiting the start of Spring as soon as the first snowflake falls. But Winter is just giving me something to look forward to. And knowing that Winter will come again encourages me to enjoy Spring, Summer, and Autumn to their fullest. While the cold certainly bothers me, because I’m not Elsa, it allows me to get excited over the return of the warm sunshine. As it also keeps the local bug population under control, I never said the warmer seasons didn’t have their own pitfalls.
Conclusion
Winter does not have to be our favorite season for us to be embracing its beauty. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with clinging on to every bit of Autumn that you can until the Winter Solstice arrives. Or having a countdown to Spring before Winter even arrives. I totally get it, my lovely. But let’s also make sure that we’re choosing to embrace the best that Winter has to offer. Even if it feels like we’re just trying to make the best of a crummy situation. Besides, there is a lot of beauty in Winter. Even if we don’t want to admit it, and have to acknowledge it begrudgingly. Because embracing Winter with a little bit of joy is the best revenge we can get on this rather unwelcome season.
What do you enjoy about Winter? Is there anything that you particularly look forward to in the Winter? What holidays do you celebrate in your culture, or do you celebrate personally? Do you actually happen to like Winter? No judgment if you do! I’d love to hear your thoughts about this bitterly cold but cozy season.
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