A Time for Wintering

While it’s common for many people to jump into a new year full of motivation and armed with a lengthy list of things they can’t wait to accomplish, I’m not one of them. Sure, I have things I’d like to do over the next 12 months, but they can wait. January is my season of wintering. It’s my time for cocooning and living gently. The animals and plants do it to prepare themselves for the long days to come, why can’t people?

The Season of Wintering

Living in Southern California, my winter looks a lot different than many other people’s. The thermometer rarely drops below 40, and when it does, I’m usually already snug in my bed for the night. Gray, rainy days are few and far between. We might even experience a heat wave or two (like we are right now). No matter what the weather may be outside, I embrace winter with open arms. I welcome the long evenings and continuously seek ways to make them pass even slower.

I stock up on the things I seek out this time of year: cozy blankets, warm beverages, and my favorite winter reads. I choose something to do with my hands, whether it be a simple knitting or crochet project, or a coloring book filled with images I love that aren’t too intricate or involved. I admittedly don’t watch much TV, but this time of year I choose to play cozy ASMR rooms over sitcoms or movies. The food we cook takes more time to make, and we linger around the table a little longer, wanting the nights to last forever.

On the weekends, there’s no rush to leave the house, and we instead decide on a second pot of coffee and contemplate the day ahead. Perhaps we’ll venture out into the world for a bit, but we know we’ll be just as happy at home with no plans at all (perhaps even more so).

As the weeks go by, I feel myself letting go of all the stress and worry from the past year, like I’m physically leaving something behind. I’m finding more peace and contentment each day. I’m really recharging my batteries, getting ready for the busy spring.

This isn’t laziness; it’s intentionally slowing down. I’m taking care of myself, both physically and emotionally, so I can tackle anything that comes my way in the coming year with fresh energy and a clear head. It’s wintering.

Embrace the season of wintering with our latest issue of Bella Grace.