Savoring The Last Four Weeks of the Winter Season

For many of us here in the northern hemisphere this winter was a particularly cold one with some states such as Florida even getting a proper snow storm.  And while we may be looking forward to the warmer and sunnier days ahead, being present in our current season can create an ease for us to know that better days are not just ahead of us, but that they are currently here with us as well. While it may be true that we often find ourselves with less energy and earlier sunsets for a few more weeks, there is also a coziness to savoring the winter season that can help us stay present and be content in the season we are currently in.

Even today as I post this we are expected to get 3-6 inches of snow and more cold weather, but instead of being perturbed by this I am instead feeling delighted as winter has decided to make her grand crescendo with flair. And just like when you wake up in the morning on the weekends but decide you are not going to get up and get dressed just yet, but instead you are going to stay tucked in to savor those last few moments of ease, let us too decide to cozy into winter just a little while longer and savor a few more moments that will elevate the close of this most restful and snug season.

Here are a few ideas to savor these last four weeks of winter.

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-Make a soup on the weekends

A good soup is one of life’s many simple pleasures.  It is one that nourishes us and warms us up when the temperatures outside are cold. There’s something so pleasing about the chopping, the enticing aroma of garlic, onions and herbs sautéing and the rich taste of a well seasoned broth.  There are so many recipes for soups out there so whether you try a new recipe or stick to a tried and true favorite, use these past few winter weekends to make a hearty soup and don’t forget the side of crusty baguette or the delicious toppings.

-Read a few short cozy books

While I am one to appreciate a longer in-depth story when reading, this time of year our energy may be lower than normal, and a small cozy read will not only keep you more engaged at the moment, but it will also provide a warm and restful respite from the cold outside.  Some of the smaller books that I have enjoyed this winter is Before the Coffee Gets Cold, The Healing Season of Pottery, Clara Reads Proust and Cosy.  All of these were short, but oh so cozy to read.

-Savor a hot chocolate or two

One seasonal favorite of mine is making a homemade French-style hot chocolate.  Always so warming and delicious and one that is a seasonal delight that I never miss the opportunity to savor.  But whether you make your own hot chocolate (you can find a recipe here) or you purchase a pre-made one from the store, take the time to make yourself one last hot chocolate or two and don’t forget the marshmallows and/or whipped cream.

-take a walk in the snow

I know a lot of us here on the east coast are expected to get snow today and maybe even more before the winter season concludes and if so, then take advantage and go for a snowy walk.  Appreciate the silence of nature and the crunch of the snow under your feet.  Savor the peacefulness of this possibly last snow of the year and be grateful that you have the opportunity to enjoy this wondrous natural event. When I lived in Florida I had met plenty of people who had never even seen real snow in their entire life, so be grateful that you get to have this experience that is hard to explain, but surreal to experience.

-Enjoy the fireplace as much as possible

While my current apartment does not have a fireplace I have lived in a few places that did.  It is my goal to move into a place with a fireplace whenever we decide to move again because it is oh so comforting to cozy up next to the fireplace when it’s cold outside. If you do not have a real fireplace then you get a faux fireplace on Amazon for a few hundred dollars if you would like that same coziness for your home.  Regardless if you have a real or faux fireplace, make yourself a hot drink, grab a book or magazine and cozy up to the warmth of a crackling fire.

-Watch a cozy movie snuggled under a heated blanket

Watching a cozy movie is in and of itself a fun way to savor the winter season a little longer, but when you’re snuggled under a heated blanket it makes it feel that much more cozier.  If you live in a place that experiences cold winter days like I do, then a heated blanket is a wonderful investment.  While throw blankets are good, sometimes they do not warm up as much as I would like, so a heated blanket or even a heating pad is so good for warming you up when you are cold.  You can also get a heated blanket for less than $50.00 on amazon. Pick a favorite cozy movie and cozy up at night with a favorite movie snack or hot chocolate and savor these last few cozy longer nights.  Some of my favorite choices for a cozy movie is any Bridget Jones movie, You’ve Got Mail, Sabrina, Little Women, Knives Out, The Holiday, or any Wes Anderson movie.

Whether you decide to do one of these or all mentioned above, I hope you have a restful and nourishing time for the rest of the winter season and that you enjoy all the simple pleasures that comes with these cozy days. Savor the moment you are in and elevate it by bringing in simple pleasures to delight your senses, no matter what season you find yourself in.