Each season brings its own pleasures. But, I am particularly fond of winter.
Perhaps it reminds me of my childhood in northwest Iowa filled with snow forts, sledding hills, and subzero temperatures. Perhaps it is the coziness of candles, cups of tea, and snuggling on the couch with a good book. Perhaps it is the exquisite pleasure of watching the snow fall and hearing the wind blow, but feeling so nice and warm inside wearing fuzzy slippers.
Whatever the reason, I truly love winter.
Here are a few things I am particularly enjoying this winter:
8 Things I’m Loving This Winter
1. Rich Hand Lotion
A student of mine gave me a Christmas present of a luxurious hand cream. It is called Tocca Hand Cream from Anthropologie in a lovely grapefruit cucumber scent. I stashed it in my purse so I can apply it throughout the day. It’s a small thing, but one that brings me great pleasure.
2. Chai Lattes
I have been finding myself craving hot drinks more frequently in this cold weather, and chai lattes have been my drink of choice these past few months. A few days each week I take a nice, crisp walk to a coffee shop a few blocks away from my school. I always return to teaching refreshed from my walk and rejuvenated by the spicy sweetness of the latte.
3. Candles, Candles, Everywhere
Ever since I read The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, I have been trying to make our home even cozier in the winter. One way I have done this is by actually lighting the several candles we have in our living room. Novel, yes. Candles can be practical and not just decorative. I was shocked, too! Lighting the candles in the evening changes the atmosphere in the living room and invites our family to hang out there together.
4. Evening Ritual
This brings me to my next winter love: my evening ritual. It goes like this–each evening after dinner I clean up, use the hand-held vacuum to clean the living room/ dining room carpet, and then change the lighting. I turn off the overhead lights and turn on the lamps. I light the candles. Suddenly our house is transformed. Just the change in lighting has made a huge difference! It’s a signal to our brains that evening is here and calls us to the couch for stories, bedtime rituals, and (later) tea and reading/ working for the adults.
5. Good Lip Balm
My lips get incredibly dry in the winter, and I just hadn’t been able to find anything that really helped. This year my sister-in-law recommended Jack Black lip balm. It actually works! My lips are much more hydrated, and I enjoy the flavor. My favorites are the grapefruit and the cool mint.
6. A New Winter Coat
I have needed a new winter coat for about, oh, six years. I bought my old one in 2003. It is a lovely, functional black pea coat that has served me well. However, it has gotten frayed and has seen better days. Plus, living in Boston, I needed a coat that was waterproof and preferred one with a hood. Last weekend I found one! It is red, has a (fake) fur-lined hood, is waterproof, and so, so warm. It was also on sale. Score!
7. Winter Reading
Winter reading is totally a thing. Some books just begged to be read with a good snowstorm wailing outside. In fact, Modern Mrs. Darcy has a great list of 20 Books to Cozy Up With This Winter that you should check out. I recently read two books from her list (The Last Christmas in Paris and The Winter Sea) and loved both of them.
8. Having Big Kids
So, this isn’t necessarily just a winter thing, but it is definitely helpful during the winter. This year my kids are all able to put on their own coats, hats, mittens, boots, etc. by themselves. What a difference it makes! It is amazing to be able to simply say, “Go get ready” and watch them all do it themselves. Mothers of little ones, a time will come when you no longer will have to wrangle a toddler and stuff him into a snowsuit. I promise.
What are you loving this winter?
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