I know I’m supposed to like it, but I don’t.
As a person who loves Nature, I think I’m supposed to love all the seasons.
But I have a confession: I’m not a winter person.
There’s a large window that looks out to the trees in front of my house. Two days ago, the maple was dressed in full, glorious red. Today she’s bare.
Even the wind sounds different now—sharp, harsh, cold.
Just a few days ago, the leaves softened their voice, turning it into a kind of gentle forest chime. Now it’s all whistle and howl.
I like autumn just fine. Even though everything’s winding down, it’s still colorful, and the sun warms me in the afternoon.
But once winter steps in, the sun seems to struggle to get over the mountain. And my Mediterranean blood and I start counting the days until April.
My friend Debbie, on the other hand, loves winter. She calls it her “nesting season”–a time to curl up with tea, soft blankets, and good books. “It’s permission to do nothing,” she says, practically glowing in her fleece socks. She finds icy-cold walks invigorating!
I admire that.
Because when I really look at it, winter is full of quiet permission. Nature isn’t fighting to bloom or grow or impress anyone. She strips down to the essentials.
Trees release their leaves without apology. Bears nap for months. Even the soil rests.
There’s a wisdom in that, a reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is stop trying to be “in full bloom.” Maybe the point isn’t to like winter, but to listen to what it’s offering.
So this week, I’m taking my cues from the maple outside my window.
I’m letting go of what’s no longer needed, without fuss or fanfare. I’m trusting that beneath the surface, something is quietly regenerating.
And maybe, just maybe, if I don’t like winter this year, at least I'll appreciate it, one cozy blanket and cup of tea at a time.
Here’s a 3-minute, tiny but mighty practice to appreciate the art of doing “nothing”:
Step outside, take a breath, and settle into the moment. Feel your feet on the ground and the air on your face.
Notice one thing Nature has simplified for the season - a tree, a garden bed, even the light.
Something magical is happening in that quiet space: regeneration. Let it remind you that resting, releasing, and not doing are also sacred acts of growth.
The Beauty of Nature's Cycles
Winter brings a sense of stillness in nature. As the days shorten and temperatures drop, the natural world begins to transform. Trees stand bare, their branches etched against the sky like a delicate pen and ink drawing. Animals hibernate, their metabolisms slowing down to conserve energy.
But even in this seeming stillness, there is beauty and life.
Hibernation: A Winter's Nap
Hibernation is a state of deep sleep that some animals enter to conserve energy during the winter months. During hibernation, an animal's heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism slow down dramatically. This allows them to survive on stored fat reserves, rather than having to forage for food in the bare, white landscape.
Some animals, like bears and bats, hibernate in dens or caves, while others, like frogs and turtles, burrow into the mud or hide in protected areas. There are ways that humans can take this idea into their own lives (not literally, but the idea of it).
Snow Patterns: Nature's Artistry
Snowflakes are some of the most intricate and beautiful natural wonders. Each one is unique, with its own pattern and design; no two flakes are the same. Snowflakes form in the atmosphere, where water vapor freezes into crystals. As they fall, they may pass through different temperatures and humidity levels, causing them to grow and change shape.
The way snow accumulates on the ground can also create beautiful patterns. From the gentle curves of a snow-covered branch to the intricate designs of animal tracks, snow reveals the hidden textures and shapes of the natural world. It’s really quite beautiful when you think about it, and simply let it be.
Winter Solstice Traditions: Celebrating the Return of Light
The winter solstice, which typically falls on December 21st or 22nd, is the shortest day of the year. Many cultures have traditionally celebrated this time with festivals and rituals, marking the return of the sun and the lengthening of days.
Some examples include:
Yule: A traditional Germanic celebration, often associated with Christmas, that marks the winter solstice.
Dongzhi: A Chinese festival that celebrates the winter solstice and the return of longer days.
Saturnalia: An ancient Roman festival in honor of Saturn, which involved feasting, gift-giving, and merriment.
These traditions remind us that even in the darkest time of year, there is hope and promise for renewal and rebirth. We cannot stay the same every year. Nature shows us that taking time to restart and transform is necessary and beneficial. What can you learn from this?
Hygge Home: Cozying Up for Winter
Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is the Danish concept of cozy contentment and warmth. It's about creating a sense of comfort, security, and togetherness in your home. What better time to create cozy contentment in your home and life than winter?
Here are some ideas for turning your home into a Hygge haven this winter:
Warm Lighting
Candles: Use candles in mercury glass holders or simple white votives to create a warm glow.
Fairy Lights: String lights or fairy lights can add a whimsical touch to your home.
Table Lamps: Use table lamps with soft shades to create pools of warm light.
Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, make it a focal point with a cozy fire and comfortable seating.
Cozy Textiles
Blankets: Add throw blankets in soft, natural fibers like wool, cotton, or linen.
Pillows: Use pillows in plush fabrics like velvet or fleece.
Rugs: Add area rugs in soft, thick piles to warm up your floors.
Slippers: Keep a pair of cozy slippers by the door to slip into when you come inside.
Comforting Rituals
Hot Tea: Make hot tea a part of your daily routine, using your favorite blends and a cozy mug.
Reading: Create a reading nook with a comfortable chair, a good light, and a few favorite books.
Baking: Bake some treats, like cookies or bread, to fill your home with warm, comforting scents.
Journaling: Take time to reflect and write in a journal, enjoying the quiet of the winter evening.
Nourishing Food and Drink
Soups and Stews: Cook hearty, comforting meals that warm the soul.
Hot Chocolate: Make rich, creamy hot chocolate with dark chocolate and whipped cream.
Wine and Cheese: Enjoy a glass of wine and a plate of cheese and crackers in front of the fire.
Creating a Peaceful Atmosphere
Soft Music: Play soft, calming music in the background, like jazz or classical.
Nature Sounds: Use a sound machine or app to bring the sounds of nature indoors, like rain or ocean waves.
Fresh Flowers: Add a few fresh flowers or a potted plant to brighten up your space.
By embracing Hygge, you can turn your home into a cozy retreat that nourishes your body this winter. Whether your town is covered in snow or never-ending rain, your home can be a peaceful sanctuary and getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Reflection Questions:
What are some ways I can slow down and appreciate the quiet beauty of winter, rather than trying to rush through it?
How can I create a cozy and comforting space in my home that nourishes my body and soul during the winter months?
What are some things that I can let go of or release, like the trees release their leaves, in order to make space for new growth and renewal?