Reframing Winter
Ways to Get Through & Maybe Even Enjoy the Winter Months
I was lied to…
When we were talking about moving to Indiana, we asked people what the winters were like. We got answers like, “oh it’s really not that bad” and “it doesn’t even snow that much.”
Let me tell you, if you are used to a southern winter, it is bad, and it does snow a lot.
In Tennessee, we maybe got one or two dustings a year. In a “bad winter” year, we would get one bigger snow that was usually still no more than 4 or 5 inches.
Here, it’s still early December, and it feels like it has been snowing for a month. Also, the wind chills have been negative? I don’t think I have ever felt air that cold.
I know I am being dramatic, but I am trying to paint you a picture. Here’s the picture: it is cold, and I am not loving it.
But, even so…
I believe God made the seasons with intention.
I believe He built into nature innate rhythms and cycles that often cue us into how we ought to live.
I believe every season has a purpose and something to teach us - both literally in summer, fall, winter, and spring (notice how I started with summer) and metaphorically in the seasons of life we all personally walk through.
So, I am choosing to believe there is joy and life to be found - even when its 15 degrees and snowing.
Last week, I shared some Christmas tradition ideas. Some of them would make great winter traditions as well, if you are looking for more ways to brighten up the colder months.
My Winter Non-Negotiables
These are the habits and practices that help me to reframe (and maybe even enjoy??) the winter months.
Light - This might look like getting outside to get some sun on your face when it decides to peek through the gray sheet of clouds. It might look like making it a habit to watch the sunrise or sunset any chance you get (bonus points because this kind of light is especially helpful for our circadian rhythms). It might look like getting a “happy light” to use inside.
Movement - Lifting weights, walking on the treadmill, dancing, and pilates have all been great options for me so far this winter, and I think I will continue to lean on those as we trudge deeper into the season.
Sleep - Sometimes in the winter months, I get in bed at 7:30pm, and I do it proudly. Sleep is so important for our bodies, and I am happy to take a little extra when I can!
Home Hobbies - My go-to hobbies are reading, baking, writing, coloring, movies, and music. I also love playing all the NYT games, as well as Contexto. Other hobbies I would love to incorporate include crocheting, painting, scrapbooking / bullet journaling, card or board games, and yoga.
Social Time - This can look however you want it to look - the important thing is simply connecting with others. For me, it is often a simple walk with a friend, meeting up a coffee shop, or even just a simple voice memo to a long distance friend. However, I would also love to do at least 1 or 2 more elaborate social gatherings in the wintertime, such as a soup contest or a bonfire with s’mores and hot chocolate.
Going Out After Dark - Leaving the house when it is cold and dark is a challenge for me. But, I have found that going out at night is actually pretty fun once you get yourself out the door. For us, this looks like going out to run an errand, grab dinner, or go to the bookstore. You could also go out and get a fun drink or dessert, look at Christmas lights, or even just go for a drive.
Nourishing & Cozy Foods - The winter is the perfect time for all the warming, cozy foods. I love to make hot chocolate at least once a week. I have already gotten my sourdough starter out and started making bread again. And if you come to our home on a Sunday afternoon, you can often find the crockpot out with some kind of soup or chili simmering away.
Something to Look Forward To - What you are looking forward to can range from an afternoon walk to an overseas trip. Just make sure there is something on the calendar that gets you excited. In my day to day, it is a Pilates class. In the longer term, it is an escape to warmer weather for spring break. Whatever it is, allow yourself to daydream about it!
Gratitude & Contentment - I have to decide to enjoy the winter, and that means practicing a lot of gratitude and contentment. I write down things I am thankful for each morning. I constantly steer my thoughts back toward gratitude when I feel tempted to complain. And I frequently remind myself that I can be content in all circumstances. Notice: I have to do these things each morning, constantly, frequently. It is an ongoing, every moment practice!
Rest & Restoration - Sleep is for the body, but rest and restoration is for the mind and the soul. I want to be more intentional this winter about doing nothing, praying, allowing my mind to wander, giving myself space to be creative. I want to find the things that leave me feeling recharged and not depleted.
Whether you are experiencing a winter season of the weather or a winter season of the soul, I pray this is encouraging to you. I know sometimes it seems like it is only darkness, but I promise there is joy and life to be found - even in the winter.
Things to Leave You With
I have always loved this song, but it is especially relevant this time of year.
If you find yourself struggling with the winter months like me, I recently read Holy Hygge by Jamie Erickson, and I enjoyed it. She does a great job and connecting the cultural practice of hygge to spiritual practices like solitude and hospitality.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and feel ready to take on winter!
Take care,
Caroline