7 Ways I’ve Learned to Enjoy Winter

I’ve nearly put away all the holiday decor that adorned my home last month and the hustle and bustle of December has diminished abruptly now that it’s a new year. All of my favorite traditions and the merriment that this time of year brings are nestled away in my mind for another 11 months.

For me, and I’m sure many of you too, Christmastime truly is the most wonderful time of the year and has been found to be the happiest month of the year.

I most enjoy decorating our home and sitting by the tree every morning, the time spent at family gatherings, hearing the squeals of delight from my children as they experience the magic of the season, the anticipation of celebrating Christ’s birth, and an overall sense of cheerfulness that so many have.

But as we ease into January, I’m reminded of the common shift in my mood that I’ve felt for many years. I typically feel less creative, productive and motivated as I more or less struggle to enjoy the season until spring emerges.

As we approach one of the gloomiest days of the year (called Blue Monday, usually falling on the third Monday in January), I’m pondering an idea, an experiment of sorts, that could profoundly impact my mental wellbeing this year.

The jollity that Christmastime brings is truly unique to the season. But what if we intentionally brought some of the aspects that make us feel so much happier into the winter months?

How might your frame of mind and wellbeing be affected if you did this? Would you feel more hopeful? Have greater inspiration? Less lethargic? Increased joy?

For the next few months, I’m challenging myself to something new– a season of intentional jollity where some of the most joy-filled experiences are carried over from Christmastime.

A boost of merriment + a bit of hygge. Here are 7 of my favorite ideas and how I’ll include them in this season to live with more intentionality, enjoyment, and purpose in life.

7 Ways to Add More Merriment to Winter

1. Light candles. As early as the middle ages, people lit candles at Christmas as a reminder of the true light that the season is all about. Lighting candles, especially at dinnertime, has recently been one of my favorite ways to sit down to a meal, even if it’s just grilled cheese or something simple. I’ve stocked up on my favorite white candlesticks and plan to have many candlelit meals this season.

2. Plan something (big) to look forward to. I once read that the anticipation leading up to a vacation or big event provided people with such a high level of happiness that even surpassed their happiness after returning home from the trip. All month long in December, my family and I anticipate Christmas Day– we use an Advent calendar and are constantly counting how many more days until Christmas arrives.

For the past several winters, Mike and I have begun planning for a trip (even if it’s just overnight) which we’ll take later that winter or spring. The thought of an adventure and a break from our normal routine gives me a boost of anticipation during the cold months.

3. Make a winter bucket list. One of our favorite parts of December is our Advent calendar. Each day, a little bag is opened that contains a note for the kids with a special tradition, activity, or act of generosity. This gives us so much to look forward to in the Christmastime season, so I’m doing something similar to enjoy the remaining winter months.

A few ideas on our list are having a hot cocoa and movie night, visiting a coffee shop, going on a winter walk in the woods, baking a treat together, making s’mores in the fireplace, having a pajama day, making and mailing cards to friends, visiting elderly neighbors, collecting pine cones to make bird feeders, and hosting a special dinner for friends.

You can download our Winter Bucket List cards here.

4. Gather with family and friends. Since many would agree that social gatherings are one of the most enjoyable parts of December, why not use these colder months to invite friends or family over for dinner? As soon as you’re done reading this post, I’d encourage you to take a minute to text a friend or two and schedule a date! One of my favorite ways to serve dinner to a crowd in winter is to make a big pot of soup and some sourdough bread.

5. Enjoy hot drinks + a cozy fire. In my opinion, sipping a cup of something hot (coffee or a chai latte for me) and sitting by a cozy fire is what I picture when I think of hygge– the Danish word that means cozy contentment. Maybe this involves a weekly trip to your favorite coffee shop or an evening routine of a hot drink, cozy blanket, and good conversation with your spouse. Mike and I have begun doing this each evening and it’s become a part of the day we both really anticipate– blueberry tea, a cozy blanket, and some kid-free time to sit and catch up with each other.

6. Decorate for the season. Seasonal, festive decorations don’t have to be limited to Christmastime. Psychologists have found that decorating for the season makes us more nostalgic, encourages social connections, and makes us feel more cheerful. I’m planning on keeping our orange garland and lights hung in the kitchen, snipping some fresh greens with berries and using them around the house, and making paper snowflakes to hang in our schoolroom.

7. Bake treats and give them to neighbors. Delivering cookies is one of the ways we like to be thoughtful to our neighbors at Christmas. But this act of generosity can be extended all throughout the year. My favorite new winter bread is this sourdough cranberry quick bread or a crusty loaf of sourdough with homemade jelly would be a delicious gift too.

The winter months don’t have to be endured with boredom or a lack of motivation. If you’re looking for some ways to boost your mood during this time of year I hope you found some of these ideas helpful. And as always, please let us know if you’ve tried any of them or have additional ways to make the winter months more enjoyable!