Learning To Love Winter | Live Lovely

I arrived home in the wee hours of the morning on Monday from Oregon to a big freeze here in Connecticut! I exchanged this snowy mountain view (of Mount Hood pictured above) for this view of iced over hills. It looks as if all of the trees are encased in glass. Right after the New Year ended I saw articles and blogs pop up immediately for Valentine’s Day and even Spring. The local stores are putting out their bathing suits and floral prints, but Winter has just begun! I knew right away that I had to plan a post about learning to love winter because it is here to stay and dreaming about sunnier days isn’t going to make you happy when the streets are covered in snow and temperatures dip below zero degrees Fahrenheit. 

Let it be known, I despise being cold! Cold is not my thing. I like it really hot; hot and muggy. In the winter I tend to hibernate and you will often find me under a pile of blankets burrowed into them like a field mouse buries herself in the ground to hide for the winter, the absolute opposite of a snow bunny. When it comes to winter, I am a perch in front of the fire with a good book and hot beverage kind of person. Also let it be known that I do happen to love winter. How can you hate the cold and love winter? I promise, it is possible. I’m going to share some of my personal tips for enjoying the cold season, even if you hate the cold too. 

How to love winter in eight easy steps:

One. Appreciate the beauty all around you. Even without white fluffy snow, you can see the changes taking place in the landscapes around you. When trees lose their leaves, you have the opportunity to see the intricate designs of the branches. The beauty of icicles and ice-covered plants always amazes me. The loveliness and calm of fresh fallen snow. 

Two. Find your winter sport. You do not have to be athletic to partake in a winter sport that you enjoy. There are winter activities for every level from snowshoeing, tubing, sledding, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating. Perhaps your winter sport is ice fishing or as active as ice hockey. Get creative, be bold, try new things, or even try old things like sledding if you haven’t been on a sled in years. These activities can only be enjoyed this time of year so it adds some magic to help you appreciate the season while it lasts. 

Three. Winter may be beautiful, but for many it can be a fight to survive the elements. Check on your elderly neighbors, donate blankets to your local homeless and  animal shelters, leave out bird seed for the birds, volunteer at a local soup kitchen, and host a cozy dinner for someone you know who may be struggling this time of year. 

Four. Dress for the weather. This one may sound obvious, but I am always surprised how often people underdress for cold temperatures. Invest in a fluffy down jacket (I finally bought my first puffer coat this year and it has had an incredible impact on my comfort; a total game changer!) and long underwear to wear underneath your clothing. Choose wool and moisture wicking socks. And when it is freezing, never leave without gloves, a hat, and a scarf. 

Five. Hygge (pronounced hu-yoo-ga) is the Danish concept of “coziness.” Long dark winters have created the need to perfect the art of comfort and comraderie indoors. Make your home into a haven for a comfortable winter: light a fire (or just a lot of candles if you don’t have a fireplace), enjoy a warm bath before bed, collect cozy blankets for yourself and guests to use, slip into warm slippers and a fluffy robe, cook meals with your family or friends, and cuddle up for your favorite films. 

Six. Winter walks. It is easy to keep cooped up in the winter time. Make sure you find your time in the fresh air and keep moving. 

Seven. Stay healthy. Winter time is when most people get sick; besides breathing in cold dry air, we’re less active, eat less healthy, and get much less vitamin D during the winter months. Keep yourself from getting sick by working out, eating healthy meals, and taking daily vitamins. I live by Vitamin C every winter when cold season hits. To sleep comfortably, my husband set up a humidifyer in our bedroom. 

Eight. Spend time with people who uplift you. In the summer we’re bombarded with group activities, but in the wintertime, our social calendars after the holidays pass are as barren as a frozen tundra. Plan a weekend getaway or ski trip with friends, try a new restaurant, plan a movie or game night, and keep connected. Science proves that social connections have the largest impact on our happiness, so make your connections happy ones. 

In what ways do you celebrate the winter season and make the most of cold winter days and nights? I would love to hear your favorite tips, winter activities, and hygge ideas in the comments below. Share this article with your friends who dislike winter and could use some winter fun.