A Very Low-Key Winter Checklist
We’ve written low-key checklists for summer and fall, but what are your winter hopes and dreams? As someone who can struggle with depression and anxiety, I like to plan fun things to keep spirits up during the darker days. I’d LOVE to hear what works for you, and here are 12 chill things I’m looking forward to…
1. Grab a blanket and watch a tried-and-true comfort show. If you can’t think of one, watch the two seasons of PEN15, which absolutely nails how it feels to be a nerdy middle school girl in the suburbs. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
2. Read poems at bedtime. Three favorites are Ada Limón, Kate Baer and Mary Oliver. Plus, here’s a poem for married people by John Kenney, which made me laugh:
Winter.
It’s been dark for, like, five hours,
And yet the children are still awake,
And I am only a little drunk.
What you call yelling I call making a point.
3. Embrace cozy-clothes season. Nothing feels better than cuddling on the couch, or playing board games with a friend, in your softest outfit. Haven Well Within is SO good at this. These wide-leg pants are 100% organic cotton and perfect for lounging. I’d pair them with this toasty cardigan and these cashmere socks (love the baby blue). They also have a great pj collection with sets designed for hot sleepers (hello, fellow bed-sweaters!), and how pretty are the colors of their washable silk robes?
4. Dive into cheesy pasta. Sure, roast chicken is good. Yeah, everyone likes soup. But, IMHO, pasta is what winter is all about. A few recipes to kick things off: cacio e pepe, penne with ricotta and lemon, and a squash and spinach bake.
5. Crank up that mood lighting. I always picture the crepuscular rooms from Mad Men. To get a similar glow, I’ve learned from interior designer friends to try for three light sources in each room, ideally under eye level and with dimmer switches. And, if all else fails, just string up fairy lights.
6. See a play (or concert or ballet). My friends have been losing their minds over the play Liberation — Freddie wept! — and I’m taking my mom over the holidays. But it doesn’t have to be Broadway, of course. Your local Nutcracker, a high school musical, it’s just really fun to see live performances. Speaking of, the hilarious Alex Edelman is doing solo shows soon in Cleveland, Philly, and NYC, if you’d like to nab tickets.
7. Make evening walks more interesting. My kids LOVE competitions — who can jump the highest? who can dunk the Nerf basketball? — and yesterday, on a walk, Anton asked me to predict how many pumpkins we’d walk by before we got home. “Fifteen?” I ventured. “I’ll take the over,” he said, and when we passed a whopping 21 total, we both cheered. Now I’m excited for more walking bets: How many dogs will we walk by? How many Christmas trees will we spot through front windows? How many pedestrians will be wearing baseball caps? The possibilities are endless.
8. Bake a sofa cake. Today, New York restaurateur Claire de Boer shared the recipe for her famous chocolate cake — then added instructions for a smaller “sofa version, for two,” in case you find yourself craving something sweet one evening. And if you prefer to drink your chocolate, consider the hot cocoa recipe our editor Kelsey swears by.
9. Ask a friend to name their favorite book, then read it yourself. (Bonus points if you read it in bed.) My own recs would be Shuggie Bain and An American Marriage — yours?
10. Go to a museum and look at one piece of art. “When you go to the library,” says psychology professor James O. Pawelski, “you don’t walk along the shelves looking at the spines of the books and on your way out tweet to your friends, ‘I read 100 books today!’ Yet that’s essentially how many people experience a museum.”
11. Visit a Christmas store. No matter what you celebrate, a shop full of colorful ornaments and flickering lights can’t help but be a pick-me-up. In New York, my easy favorite is John Derian’s holiday shop in the East Village. Those pickles! (He also has a Target collection.)
12. Eat muffins for breakfast. “A muffin is a small cake it is socially acceptable to eat in public at dawn,” wrote Bess Kalb in her newsletter issue, Some Mental Health Advice for the Week. After all, hauling yourself out of bed on dark, cold winter mornings “requires something more tempting than a bowl of cereal,” adds Tim from Lottie + Doof. “These apple cider muffins will do the trick.”
What would you add? Cold swimming? A cookie swap or soup group? Lazing around guilt-free because that’s the whole point of winter? Please share below. xoxoxo
P.S. 10 readers share their cold-weather outfits, and 14 readers on staying upbeat in the winter.
(Photo by Raymond Forbes LLC/Stocksy. This post was sponsored by Haven Well Within. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
Comments
193 commentsMy absolute favorite thing in the winter is to drink a really hot, cozy beverage in the very cold outdoors.
My husband and I just made a list (and scheduled!) ten “holidates” in November and December. They’re mostly cheap and cheerful local activities, some with our baby, some with friends or extended family, and some just us, and it’s so nice to have little bursts of light to look forward to. They include: building a Lego skating rink, writing out holiday cards with fancy hot chocolate, neighbourhood tree lighting, baking ginger cookies, winter market, Starbucks festive drinks before work, strolling in an upscale neighborhood and admiring holiday decorations, watching a Hallmark rom com with mulled wine, etc.
Cheesy pasta and mood lighting are MUSTS. As someone who can relate, and a neuroscientist, I am convinced that, as mammals, humans are designed to SLOW DOWN durning the winter months. Wake up later. Do less. Cozy up more. The winter months are meant for recharging.
Read the book How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz. Thank me later!
I just bought Yasmin Khan’s vegetarian cookbook, “Sabzi” and it’s made me rethink soup completely (I always thought soup was kind of boring before). I’m going to make it a goal to try new soup recipes this winter! I also just became a member of PBS and am going to lean into getting a burst of sunny weather by watching the back catalog of “Pati’s Mexican Table” — I just adore that show; it’s like a vacation plus cooking lesson.
That photo of the red-hooded kid in the frozen wilds totally reminds me of The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey.
I absolutely love that photo too! Wonder if there is a copy of it to be found anywhere?
oh that was a great book! might be time for a cozy re-read…
That was one of my favorite books I read this year! I tell everyone to read it.
I’d never heard of Haven Well Within. I normally thrift clothing but this is completely my style ! Have you found that their clothing holds up well? I’d probably wear most of these with a more tailored item though. I have had students ask me: Ms. E are you wearing your pajamas?!?! Gotta love the brutally honest statements of children :) xoxo
Haven Well Within is a division of Talbots. However I’ve only visited the store so I can’t attest to the durability.
– skating – snowshoeing – snow angels! – candlelit happy hours – weekend get-away (hot tub non-negotiable) – slow roasts – find a fireplace to park myself in front of with a good book
Fellow Canadian here – this list is perfection!! For myself, I’ll add cross-country skiing, fondue, and visiting the local light installation with the kids!
My daughter just went through a horrific breakup…. looking at these ideas and seeking more to help get her through the days…….
Awww–sending healing and support to you and to her! Does she have the necessary set up to adopt a kitten? 100% recommend.
Awww been there!! When I went through a bad breakup, my mom sent me a little care package with knick knacks and treats and it felt so nice! Also just being available for phone chats is so good
Yay, Friday! My list: Sauna, which I love so much, dry brushing, gloopy skin cream, lighting many candles, comforting liquid yums like stews and soups and hot cocoa and oh yes, yes! mulled wine, especially from scratch to make the home smell wonderful. I love long walks in cold weather and while I have always been self conscious about photos of me, since entering my forties, I start to embrace selfies during those cold walks. It feels life affirming to capture my pink cheeks and nose, these fleeting moments when I feel my best within my own skin.
I love this x
I too love this!
I have reverse seasonal affective disorder and winter is when I come alive!! A few signs of the season for me as of this week: – changing the art on our art TV to a delicious fall scene. – if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: Netflix’s Fireplace for your Home is THE reason I subscribe to the streaming service. It’s better than any other fireplace TV I’ve found, free or paid. – listening to moody fall and winter music that really only works this season, especially during my commute once the seat warmer has really kicked on, or when I’m unloading the dishwasher and setting the tone for that night’s dinner cooking. – combing my favorite stores for a new throw blanket or pillow that’ll be my special new living room item. Not seasonal decor, but, oh this beautiful wool throw that can still be draped on the armchair come spring, but it’ll be newly cozy and beautiful to me as the temperatures drop right now.
Excellent recs, Rue!!
How did the girl in the little red coat (in the top photo) get to that spot in the snow without making any footprints?!
that was my first thought too! i wondered if it was AI OR a still from a creepy horror movie?
I think she is The Snow Child…
I choose to believe it’s really hard snow and not creepy AI – during the blizzard of ’96 in PA, my brother and I could walk on the snow by our swing set and touch the top crossbar! But love how observant you are – I always whiz past the images the first time I see a post since I’m eager for whatever is ahead.
I wondered the same thing! My answer was “hard, thin, icy snow,” or Photoshop.
I’m preparing for a Scandinavian winter after a long fall with sleep less nights and a touch of postpartum depressions. My pick-me-up winter will include: – Renting a sauna with girlfriends, braving the cold sea water afterwards – a yearly pass to a good (and varied, and large) museum, for those days where the strolls have to be indoors – a reading list of good, but not to many long books – aiming to test out five new-to-me cafes to find the best hot chocolate and best baked bun in the city (are modern wheat buns and viennoiserie having a moment everywhere else, or is it a local trend?! Sometimes the lines for the trendier ones are insane).
I knit, so when the weather gets cooler (although I dread the long dark months ahead), part of me revels in the cozy atmosphere. Finally! Working with a bunch of warm wool yarn does make me sweat! I can feel ultra productive working on that winter hat for my husband, although we both know that it won’t be done for at least a year hahahaha
Hands softened with Palmer’s Cocoa Butter, one might potter around the house, smile at the metal mistletoe hanging above the doorway, and check whether the flowers have survived another cold night. The kitchen fills with the scent of soup, pasta, and freshly baked cakes. Later, there’s time to read and light a few candles. It’s the season for slowing down, for simply being and it’s brilliant.
I want to come to your house, Zoe! Sounds beautiful.
This Winter lines up with the last half of my pregnancy! So this is really a pre-baby bucket list: 1. Visit my besties in Philly and NYC! Nothing cozier than the NE in late fall. 2. Throw a Brunswick stew party (this is a southern thing. You invite tons of friends over and everyone brings an ingredient for the stew. You then spend the afternoon letting the flavors meld while catching up or watching Football) 3. Go to an art museum solo 4. Completely rearrange our apartment to make room for baby (eek!!) 5. Eat a ton of crescent rolls at Thanksgiving 6. Drink hot chocolate by the Christmas tree 7. Stay with my husband in a hotel room that has a really big bathtub. Spend the whole evening in bathrobes. I can’t wait! Cozy season here I come!
Related question: anyone have a rec for a THICK pair of sweatpants, in a jogger or old-school cuffed style (not wide leg)? For lounging at home purposes only, they do not have to be cute! I’m looking for something thick and fleecy… so many of women’s sweatpants seem to be lighter-weight than I want. Bonus points for 100% cotton, but I’m willing to accept a little bit of polyester if need be.
I totally agree with this preference !! Can’t find these anymore.
I like the Aritzia ones! Go for Mega Fleece in the boyfriend cut for maximum coziness.
Pamboes!! I’m obsessed. They’re super thick like a blanket and fluffy on the inside.
A classic from my youth maybe? https://www.hanes.com/products/hanes-originals-women-39-s-fleece-joggers-30-quot/og114
I think these might fit the bill. They are faux sherpa on the inside and insanely warm and cozy soft. They are machine wash & dry as well. Definitely not precious. Sorry in advance it’s amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Fleece-Sweatpants-Jogger-X-Large/dp/B07KK62FDC/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis?th=1&psc=1
I live in these men’s Champion sweatpants at home — so comfortable and warm: https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Joggers-Athletic-Sweatpants-Black-549314/dp/B01H7HOR5W
I bought a couple of Eddie Bauer Motion Cozy joggers. They are a cotton/poly blend but I couldn’t find the right fit with100% cotton. These fit great and are so soft!
I highly recommend American Eagle’s Everyday Lux joggers! So cozy , thick and very soft! I have three pairs and I MIGHT get more , they’re affordable and washes very well! Enjoy!
Athleta Forever Fleece High Rise Jogger—I just got these and they are perfect. Dreamy. So soft and cozy. On sale now. Highly recommend. ❤️
Thank you for all of these fantastic suggestions!!
I have a Patagonia pair I live in in winter that fit the bill exactly
I have a pair from Pact. They’re 100% cotton and so thick that I sometimes overheat. I don’t see the women’s version on their website, but they’re available from this random site: https://echo.market/products/pact-women-s-essential-loopback-terry-sweatpant. Or looks like there’s a similar style at Nordstrom. https://www.nordstrom.com/s/organic-brushed-fleece-sweatpant/8345347
YES ! The three pairs I scored at Costco years ago are moving past their prime and I have no idea where to look for replacements. Thank you for the Aritzia link, Emily! The other links look helpful too, thank you.
If you hurry, you can snag the Lands End high waisted fleece lined serious sweat leggings for $25 (free shipping) today. I just ordered my second pair and may be living in them (so cozy and comfy but nice enough to wear to the grocery store) all winter. I’m new to northern winters and am glad to have found something comfy and warm that doesn’t make me sweat!
Winter is cold and long here in the Midwest (I’m a former Californian~ although my friends say once a CA girl, always a CA girl!). This year, I’m making a free library box for the front of the house and taking luminary hikes night at local county parks. And I’m finally making a Hawaiian quilt pillow (my mom is from Hawaii and I was reinspired after seeing Somsack’s collection of Hawaiian quilts!). After a devastating end of a close friendship this past year, I’ve decided to put myself out there and meet all the new people I can, whether they end up being my soul mates, acquaintances, or we end up just being two ships passing in the night. I’m manifesting community this winter!
Aw. Just wanted to send love for whatever happened with your friend. I’ve been there, it was really hard. Still feels devastating three years out. I had a different good friend tell me that sometimes people you’re friends with just don’t know how to make boundaries or have conflict, and I’ve also had the thought that tough as it was, at the end of the day, it ended and we weren’t right for each other. I think characters in books are good company too but that’s not for everybody. Love and really good friends are coming to you!
Last winter I bought myself one of these rechargeable LED candle holder thingies, and now I actually look FORWARD to dark, cozy season. I wrap up in a blanket shawl and swan around the apartment with it like a Dickens character. It cracks my family up and brings me so much joy. https://breckandfox.com/products/portable-candle-lantern?variant=44555629691128&country=US¤cy=USD&comet_source=google&comet_network=g&comet_campaign=21235936788&comet_ad_group=161717540597&comet_ad_id=697977460027&comet_keyword=&comet_type=smart&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21235936788&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrbIBhA3EiwAUBaUdfE2B2zYceSccorQMvk2LJ-8agkHIE7geCft7RDeaDwqJErzDWlPiRoCtq0QAvD_BwE
So cool!
Obsessed, definitely ordering.
We love making a ‘Christmas Movies’ watch-list with our teen boys. The list gets made over dinner with all kinds of heated debates. Then from now until the new year, movie night once a week, everyone picks their own snacks / tea / cozy comfort. The Muppets Christmas Carol has been on the list since they were little, and rewatching it together once a year – the best!
Do you include Emmet Otter?! We had the DVD and in my 20s I watched the outtakes with friends and it was a delight. Puppeteers staying in character during some wacky moments.
I would like to add (and request kindly addition to the post perhaps?) the note that the cake recipe where is free of grains and nuts. Not just GF, but no grains, no nuts. If you need those strictures, you likely already know this kind of cake ‘cuz we can pretty much eat these and pavlovas, but it’s always a delight to me to try the variations and I am over the moon to have a 2-person version!
Winter can be very challenging for me during the daytime, though I do treasure those hunker down-in-the-evening moments whenever I’m not too blue from the dark days. Some of my strategies: 1. I have a light box and I try to be disciplined to sit near it for 20 minutes every day when the sun doesn’t come out. 2. Take that extra step to make things special – light the candle, find new music to listen to, pull out my paints even if I don’t feel confident. 3. I absolutely love to read. I make four seasonal reading lists throughout the year. The winter one is full of mysteries and magic realism, literary fiction with darker themes, all kinds of genres set in the winter or northern countries. Really looking forward to Wild Dark Shore this year; I’ve been saving it for a really bad weather weekend. 4. I really like organizing things and I try to lean into organizing projects in January. Enjoyable productivity. 5. I live in a milder climate so the magnolias start peeping out in January. I spend my winter walks with eyes glued to trees and gardens waiting for all my favorite flower friends to pop out and say hello. When the wisteria and roses make their appearances, I know I’ve made it . . . 6. Lots of super easy, casual cocktail/mocktail parties with the neighbors. The kind of thing you pull together at the last minute and it lasts an hour or two on a work night, just enough to lift everyone’s mood. 7. This winter, I want to take some kind of evening class. Maybe an art history class at the community college or an improv class? Something to get me out of the house on a work night and direct my brain in a different direction.
Love a low-key list! I have a few overlapped with you (see a play–we have tickets for White Christmas–and read my bff’s favourite book of the year–my husband is my bff and he has me lined up to read Circe and I have him reading I Who Have Never Known Men) as well as: – Craft and cookies night with some close friends – Trying out glass crafting (I got a gift certificate for my birthday and am taking an ornament class) – Attending my neighbourhood’s annual candle-lit lake walk. This is our third Christmas here and we’ve never made it! Finally going to go this year!
I’ve never seen, nor participated in, a candle-lit walk. The contrast between something that sounds so old-fashioned with the modern-day chats that I’d imagine will transpire during it? It sounds like a fond memory in the making.
For Daylight Savings I put up my Sanity Saving lights :-). Two warm white strands that run above the kitchen sink and then edge the ceiling at our dinner table. They go up late October and come down in March! I even swap in Pink for Valentine’s Day, which really gives me joy. Our kitchen window is visible from our back parking pad and seeing the lights waiting for me warms my heart.
I do something similar! For Christmas we put white lights around the dining room and hang Mexican tin ornaments, and blue lights in our bedroom. On January 2, the tin ornaments come down but the lights stay up till the Spring Equinox! Those blue bedroom lights might sound odd, but they are winter magic . . .
Love this! I do this in my bedroom, but really should add more lights to the other rooms.
I would so appreciate any advice on how to find the twinkle lights that cast a warm golden glow [and not a harsh white!]. I find even some fairy light strings that are labelled “warm white” are not warm at all! I don’t want to waste money or shipping. Any recs or links huge appreciated by this Canadian who has a lot of cold and dark months to make it through!
@Sam – try IKEA! I got a couple strands of fairy lights from them last year, and they are a warm glow, not harsh or bright white at all. They are LED but very cosy light color. IKEA usually has a few different options and they’re all a little different, but you might be able to find one you like!
We bought these from Amazon (sorry, haters, I know, I know) but I they change colors and include a remote. The remote has several color options like winter holiday, easter, halloween themes. But in the AM I just set it to golden amber and it warms up my shelf desk while I enjoy coffee and COJ posts. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5X57W78?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_15&th=1
Sam, I only use incandescent string lights because of this – no LEDs in this house! LEDs trigger migraines for me. I buy these ones: https://www.amazon.ca/PREXTEX-Christmas-Lights-Feet-200/dp/B09V96BYYK/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2F31IFKQG8RNF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.meCzZGPTqUFfxt6VQbCJnIqrbBQ_mrxjmLGeIc-LivNvGezlnkHANiZUGiOh-3pJ_Pv7P5OUC04CCPbVjW3pIXUtjrPXjZnbP9Yupp3nbiFBrDjNCFyHYQhQMkRL2MdGhcAiDfEwQiTZYfhNUeZbN6BlUO-zDg6KWPBcE2I-4qiXT1VWLjMUHgeM7eGd859C5Dey3FPLp23PJmL1bL8_zRHgVtanR5u_Kioj_J7fPJx0TiUtXrwtDCLKsSqdPwuxtncR1o8ACi-cOTkgBuWOl2O2ddoabpTDi7XlG0fv0sQ.l07o7OpY_6qCuNWYZTrTV81Y12Uu8iTbDcsV47eUc30&dib_tag=se&keywords=incandescent%2Bwhite%2Bstring%2Blights&qid=1762560148&sprefix=incandesdent%2Bwhite%2Bstring%2Blights%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
I’m new to Heather Fawcett’s Emily Wilde books, but if anyone is looking for a cozy fantasy escape with gorgeous descriptions of wintry landscapes, the first one fits the bill. Also, the book North Woods by Daniel Mason feels cozy to me (and I am NOT someone who usually enjoys multi-generational plot lines).
I loved the Emily Wilde books! I’m going to bump North Woods up on my TBR now.
She has a new book coming out in February, too! It is called Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter and it’s set in 1930s Montreal during winter — impeccable cozy vibes!
Coffee in front of the wood stove every morning, getting up when the sun is rising to maximize daylight, sleeping under old quilts, going to the local sauna house, mushroom stew.
Local sauna house and mushroom stew ! Everything in this comment seems like a story book scene ! I can see it all in my head ! Cozy !
Yesss, mushrooms in every stew! It disturbs me, how many people omit them, ha ha. I’ve been gaslight for putting ketchup on my eggs, but on this I will entertain no other viewpoints.
I really leaned into the coziness of winter last year and am actually looking forward to it this year! 1. Candles lit every night 2. A late afternoon walk with my toddler and dog to enjoy the evening glow 3. Go to bed early and read. There is nothing better than reading and drinking tea in bed, in my opinion! 4. Watercolor 5. Go on hikes 6. Cook soup every week and invite friends to join 7. Watch a movie with my husband every weekend 8. Volunteer at my child’s school 9. Buy a new, colorful scarf 10. Try knitting again!
Where I live, it now dark when I get up in the morning and dark before I leave work so I really embrace the “Hygge” or as we say “I coorie in”. Lots of candles, cosy lighting, listening to vinyl, reading a good book (the one I am reading at the moment is The Man who pays the rent, by Judi Dench), hot water blankets and blankets. I try to get out for a walk at lunchtime to see some daylight and at the weekend you will find me on blustery walks down at the beach or in the woods. We have a firepit in our garden and if the weather permits, we sit outside, toast marshmallows, melt cheese (savoury smores are a game changer), sing campfire songs (coming from a family of Scouts we have an abundance) and generally embrace the winter as much as we embrace any season. And if all else fails I know that by the end of January, there will be a sliver of light at 5pm!!
I grew up in the Northern Hemisphere but now live in the Southern, where we don’t have Christmas the break up the winter. A northern friend and I “pass” an invisible baton of summer and long days back and forth. Even when I know have it, I know she’s enjoying and appreciating it.
Yes! Canadian living in Australia and I miss the cooler seasons (younger me would never have thought I’d say that) especially cold Christmas. I always get envious following all North American/British friend and influencers of whatever season they’re in. (Also, eventising seasons (ie. patio season, beach season, fall cosy season, etc), it’s essentially all the same down here all year) Down under, a good evening rain storm makes me pretend it’s winter, and rainy days are hot chocolate days for my little children and me. However, it’s all exciting because we’re coming home to Canada for Christmas for FIVE weeks this year!
I ride my bike to work every day year round (about 25-30 mins each way) and I swear it has kept me healthy, sane, fit and happy for 15 years now. Usually I hit 150 intensity mins on Wednesday morning and 300 on Friday. The weather the better :)
This chocolate cake looks delicious ! But no more beaten whites for the sofa version ?
I thought the same thing and then read the whole intro: “But if there are just two of you, and you’d like to put it together during a commercial break, and eat it ten minutes later, scale it down and don’t bother separating the eggs—whip them whole with the sugar to save yourself a bowl”
If your boys love competition, you need to pick up one of those pickle ornaments! It’s a beloved Christmas tradition in some German-American families, particularly in parts of the Midwest. The specifics vary from family to family, but in short the ornament is hidden on the tree and the first child to find it on Christmas morning receives a special present, treat or gets to open the first present, etc. In addition to carrying on the tradition in my own family, I now bring them as gifts for hosts of holiday parties.
This is my absolute favorite time of year. Christmas is my favorite holiday and winter is my favorite season. Things I love doing during winter: 1) bundling up and drinking my coffee in the front porch. Bonus points if it’s snowing. 2) every year I host a cookie decorating party. I make tons of sugar cookies (Sally’s Baking Addiction had the best recipe), provide icing and sprinkles, it’s always a fun time. 3) wearing sweaters! I run hot 80% of the time, so I revel in those moments that I can wear sweaters and not be super hot lol. 4) seeing all of the christmas lights on houses.
My uni aged son and I plan “Disney Days” where we treat a small town (or big city neighborhood) like a trip to a theme park… we walk the quaint streets, browse cute shops, eat a treat, add in something that feels like a ride, show or exhibit, and take lots of pictures. Each day is like a wee vacation, and the snow adds a certain Christmas movie charm. It’s amazing what we’ve found within a 60 minute drive!
Brilliant!
I love this! such a sucker for a cute, walkable downtown or neighborhood
More potatoes! I love doing a baked potato bar for dinner with chili, bacon, all the fixings! My family primarily eats rice all year long, but we’ll do baked potatoes around fall/winter.
POTATOES!! Yes – every time I have a baked potato I think – I need more of this in my life. We do a potato bar when we’ve got family in town over the holidays and it’s always a smash.
I have the dates of the earliest sunset (12/7) and the shortest day (12/21) on my calendar. Something about being past the solstice makes the cooler weather more bearable.
It’s nice to see so many embracing the season! I used to dread the dark and the cold, but found I’m not as bothered by it if I get up early and get outside ASAP/ workout regularly. Also it’s nice to not have the pressure to dress super cute or do all the things after work that come with warmer seasons. I would like the add POTATOES to the list.
D’oh. Hit the wrong button there. I love seasonal transitions, but the looong months (and short days) without sun are hard. I get through with winter running (invigorating!), reading by candlelight by my fireplace (so cozy), and doing puzzles. Love the ideas for more twinkly lights.
I love these ideas- every one is making me feel cozy on the inside:) I am person who l(invigorating), reading by candlelight by my fireplace, and
Because my kids are 3 and 4: making snowmen, maple candy in the snow, finding the prettiest Christmas light display in the city, copious hours in bookstores with hot cocoa and holiday cookies, baking, baking, baking, sledding, baking, long baths by candlelight (have fully gotten them on board with “fancy tub time”), makeshift spa days at home, and every old-school holiday craft known to mankind (pomander apples and oranges anyone?).
You sound like such a good mom!
I feel like I need a list of these every old-school holiday crafts known to mankind pronto!
True winter is yet to come here in the Rockies, and here’s my winter to-do list: 1. Embrace the spectrum of warm beverages – turmeric milk, chai, and a new-to-me Earl Grey are first on the list. 2. Lovingly wear and care for my chunky sweaters, including my beloved CoJ cardigan 3. Wool underlayers, the end 4. Read at least 2 poetry books – timing of Kate Baer’s new release is perfect! 5. Teach my teenagers to cook a few basic things to make them more self-sufficient
hi – curious about the CoJ cardigan?!
Lori H it was the cardigan from the Alex Mill collab a few years ago
Candles! I buy the big bag of tea lights from IKEA.
Honest question, and not trying to be snarky: Are these kind of candles bad for us? I typically burn them every night, but maybe not such a good idea?
My winter goal is to wake up early, and therefore, minimize the long, dark nights. I’m off to a good start thanks to the Daylight Saving change. I’ve noticed a difference in my mental state already.
Winter is my absolute favourite season. I love to really notice the light: beautiful winter sunsets are stunning, as are clear, cold, sunny days with fresh snow. I use twinkle lights beyond Christmas as my indoor lighting, and also light candles at sun down every day. I am a knitter so being able to wear all of the wool sweaters that I have made is so cozy!
Love this Larissa 🥰
I am going to try and channel some of this because I haaaaattteee winter. My favorite month is July, the absolute dead of summer, lol.
Tesa, I’m glad you feel like you could try and channel some of this! I absolutely loathe summer and July is my least favourite month of the year, but I don’t want to suffer through it so much so if you have any tips on how to enjoy summer when my body doesn’t work in the heat I’m all ears! Maybe we can make each season better for both of us! : )
I never joined FB, but hopefully people will still post comments here!
Sasha that’s a nice thought but perhaps inappropriate in this community. Joanna has worked very hard to cultivate this community and keep the COJ blog and comments free for us. We sometimes forget that this is her job and career and this is why she’s started a Substack as well. It rubs be the wrong way to join a fb group (meta is horrible) called friends of coj that isn’t run by Jo and her team. If you want to build your own community pls do so and share a link with a different name. I think lots of ppl would still join and that might feel better than the current idea.
There’s nothing like cozying up with a good book in the winter. I want to recommend The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin. It seems especially relevant giving Mamdani’s win.
I’m on a great reading streak! I’d recommend Theft (Abdulrazak Gurnah), Culpability, and Heart the Lover as recent faves
Pumpkin pie for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving. A solo Christmas shopping day at the mall with Starbucks at the beginning and a See’s sample at the end (plus a box for Christmas morning). Lit candles on the coffee and dinner table every single night. Reading Nigel Slater’s “The Christmas Chronicles” and a pile of cozy mysteries in a hot bath. “The Family Stone” and a glass of Frangelico alone, with only the Christmas tree lights on, after everyone else has gone to bed. Having friends over in sets of two for champagne and Ore-Ida french fries. My kid’s theatre and choir performances. Inviting my friends to a 3pm happy hour, with cake, for my birthday. Watching all the Oscar-bait movies in real cinemas, then watching the Oscar fashion ramp-up at tomandlorenzo.com. Cross-stitch. Walks. Coffee dates in cozy cafes. Going to bed early and sleeping in. Coffee, crosswords, and a breakfast treat in the dark mornings. Doing all the beginning-of-the-year tasks and checking them off my list. I LOVE winter.
Yes to the christmas chronicles! A treat every year. Nigel slater evokes so many good Feelings about just being present and attentive
Love this! I love winter too. The Family Stone is a treasured favourite seasonal watch for me too but oof, going to be extra hard this year. We might need a Family Stone emotional support group!
OK, definitely thought you were linking up a new pajama item: bed sweaters! Like a cozy knit top that you wear to bed. Very different than Bed Sweaters 💦
Same-same and I clicked it immediately.
If you need an excuse to procure soft, crew-neck sweatshirts exclusively for wearing to bed (think the cotton graphic-tee kind but in thick long sleeve form): can confirm, you won’t regret this decision.
Cold weather horseback riding! I keep up my riding lessons in the winter as a way to get those exercise endorphins. While it can be freezing and dark and windy (not to mention extra spicy horses!) there are NO BUGS!! also planning on spending lots of hours cooking warm comfort meals (roast chicken, stews, soups), sitting by the fire, and rewatching The Crown.
I checked off my winter checklist 2.5 years ago by moving to sunny southern california. The short days followed me here, so that is still hard, but I don’t miss the cold, or the clothes and shoes that are required.
Simple: MAKE SOUP, a new one every week. Warming and yummy and soul soothing. Watch funny comedians online when you need laughs in the darkest days. Go outside whenever there is sun. Bundle up as needed and JUST DO IT! (And don’t worry about what you look like with a puffer coat, your miles of scarf around your neck and any one of those wonderfully warm but not exactly fashion forward hats. (Looking a you my Elmer Fudd one with flaps! It’s too easy to stay inside but we do need sunshine and light!
If you’re not already in the know, the NYT Cooking app has some incredible soups – different than the usual suspects and full of flavour
Jo this post came at just the right time. It has been absolutely miserable in the seattle area (so so so much rain, cold and windy, basically dark at 3pm). You (and the comments) inspired me to get out and go for a walk today (I got drenched, but I did it!), to order a cozy lamp for my living room, and to pick something to bake this weekend. Thanks, team!
As a full-fledged homebody in the PNW, I’ll be staying home, cooking soups, and reading books with my cats, which is basically what I do year round, but in flannel pajamas from Muji. I’m usually a coffee/latte person, but I’m looking forward to enjoying the house chai from Dishoom that I stocked up on while I was in London last month. It takes about 30 min to prepare, but it is truly soul soothing when it’s dark, rainy, and cold outside! This may sound weird (and def not exciting), but I also like to use this time of the year to take a better care of myself. Not just exercising and eating healthy, but also getting routine checkups, mammograms, blood tests, dental cleaning etc done.
Someone may have mentioned it, but “Wintering” is an amazing, well-researched book that really explains and embraces the slowing down and coziness of any wintering season. It’s a great and fast read.
YES! It is wonderful to read anytime, but especially this time of year. It really has helped me get on board with the value of the season (of the year – and of life).
Came here to say this! I listened to the audiobook, and it’s great.
I live in a college town, so there’s ALWAYS stuff happening on campus, especially theater and orchestra-adjacent concerts, and sports. Cheap tickets and the students are great fun to watch, whether on stage or on the court. We have hoops games during winter break, and free admission is the norm just to get a crowd there. Good stuff. Keep a pair of gloves in every coat! (Left in left pocket, right in right pocket.) You will always have them when you need them and aren’t looking for them in panic as you leave the house. The one thing I absolutely do is launder all the winter coats and accoutrements mid-November because it all gets a little fusty after 6 months shoved into a closet. You know the invisible funk I’m talking about.
The cheap music, art and sports is such a great perk of living in a college town. The university in my town also has great speakers that come for convocations and commencement ceremonies.
You dress up and go outside. I’ve lived in some cold places. If it’s a beautiful sunny day on a weekend, families are everywhere. It’s the only way.
Last March I finally had CENTRAL HEAT installed in my old home and I’m already enjoying how cozy it is to wake up to a warm house. I’m excited to keep doing so all winter – along with some candles, baking, puzzles, etc
Ooh, I love sharing tips in the comments and now I’m in need of tips… Scheduled a breast reduction in mid-December. Any suggestions on recovery or things I must sort out beforehand (like wrapping presents!)?
Anything that requires you to lift, reach or otherwise use your hands. Healing time varies but I’d allow several weeks. No lifting pots and pans. No bending over and down to pick up things. Yes, it is problematic, especially if you live alone. You may need help. Also, best to check out your bed to be sure you can rest comfortably (New and different shape pillows? Maybe a new mattress?) And you may want to see if you can recline more easily on a recliner chair if you have one. Review your daily actions and pay attention to how much you use your arms to move around. Some women have even had to get higher toilet seats because low ones are often hard to get up when your hands are not so strong. Ask in advance of your medical team: What kind of PT is needed and when should it start and what does it include? You will be more tired than you imagine but it will be important to get the appropriate PT. Also, cut yourself slack. If you are a mom or are responsible for running a household of others, alert them that you will not necessarily be able to do a lot of stuff (even if you wanted to). Your primary role is to rest and heal and do the PT.
Meant to say using hands and ARMS! That was implied but better to say it. Also, you don’t want to be doing anything that requires you twisting your upper body. Reaching for things can be excruciating in the early days so whatever requires that is now on the No GO list. Every surgery is different and every person recovers differently and in their own time. The healthier and stronger you are before surgery, the likelihood that if there are no issues with the surgery, you will heal more thoroughly in less time than others. But there are no hard and fast rules. If you are the family cook, you may want to make a lot of meals and freeze them before the surgery. And you may need to think about hiring someone to clean the house and use a laundry service. You may never need these but you should prepare for the toughest healing situation and limited use of your hands/arms rather than finding out after the fact that oh, boy, you can’t do this, that or the other thing.
Oh my gosh, best surgery ever! I had mine reduced in 2018. The recovery was easier than I had anticipated. My boyfriend at the time was a tool so he didn’t help me much but if you have a loved one who will help you get dressed, do your hair, help you prepare food etc, that will be the best!
I heard having oversized button up shirts are the thing to wear, so you can access bandages & drains…and avoid lifting you arms up to put on. Good luck!
I’m happy for you! Stay ahead of the pain by staying on the schedule for pain meds. You need fewer meds for fewer days if you stay loaded up to doctor’s orders in the first several days. If you’re chasing pain that got away from you, it’s a very different story. Laxatives / stool softeners taken regularly after surgery while on any narcotic pain relief. The stress and trauma to your body from surgery is absolutely healable, but our colons don’t know that. They freak out and freeze up, and oxycodone adds exclamation points. MiraLAX is great for stimulating muscle movement in your digestive tract, and a store brand stool softener to soften the stool is the one-two punch every post-surgery booty needs. You will be high. You will need someone else (preferably with heavy Virgo placements, or any human with intense nursing energy) to manage your med schedule and make sure you’ve been eating at regular increments. If that’s not possible, automated as much as you can in advance with a printout schedule for each day with times for meds, eating, and ensuring adequate fluid intake. Set up LABELED recurring phone alarms for the meds (including the OTC meds you’ll take for pooping). Plan to do nothing. Practice doing nothing. A great way to make a recovery window take twice as long is by doing stuff too early. Less is more, nothing is everything. If you have young humans who depend on you or live with you, explain it in advance, and then plan extra support for them during your recovery time so you can actually rest instead of trying to help them as usual. The book “How to Help Children Through a Parent’s Serious Illness” by Kathleen McCue is priceless for this.
Follow your doctor’s instructions post-surgery – meaning rest, low activity, no heavy lifting, no vacuuming, etc. You really don’t want to pop a stitch. Ask me how I know… Once healed – you are going to be amazed at how great you feel (and look). My only regret was that I waited until I was 50 to do it. Good luck and have fun buying shirts that button!
I had one about three years ago and am so thankful! Smart to think about things ahead of time. I would recommend being over the top careful because a setback in your healing would be such a pain to deal with. Loading and unloading the dishwasher and laundry machines was the thing that I hadn’t thought about AND stayed an issue (as in, made me feel weird, from both the surgery generally and the incision) for longer than I expected. A couple of weeks? And if you MUST pick up something from down low (but don’t, ask for help), bend your knees and keep your top half straight. Maybe ask a friend to pop by if you’ll be home alone for more than a couple hours for the first week or two, for any unexpected small things that arise? Overall: plan to relax, lounge in bed, watch shows / read books / write killer holiday cards / catch up on texts. You’ll bounce back quickly but be careful with your body even when you start to feel normal! And you will feel GREAT :) Wishing you smooth sailing!
SO worth it!!! You will not regret a couple of weeks of being out of it for a lifetime of relief. For me recovering from the anesthesia was challenging and slow. Give yourself grace and time. Mobility-wise I just took it easy in some flannel shirts from goodwill. Take one with so you can wear it home. In addition to the great advice already mentioned, I’d suggest getting the blue scar tape (like this – https://gomedicalonline.com/products/medical-tape-3m-blue-tape-skin-friendly-silicone-2-inch-x-5-1-2-yard-non-sterile?srsltid=AfmBOoqCyCg53krai7QhZoUPF0XwvNtKVFDWa2Rv0A-VSHyZUdjhL2bE). Really works to minimize scaring. Rub the scars, gently at first of course, then more firmly over the next several months. This breaks up some of the scar tissue and adhesions. When you can tolerate it (maybe in the spring) get a massage.
I had mine many years ago – without doubt the best decision I ever made and literally life changing. Make sure you REGULARLY take pain meds, get used to sleeping on your back for a while and stock up on food shopping well in advance. Take the opportunity to stay home and be quiet for a couple of weeks and plan a whole new way of dressing. Not having to wear a bra for months and months after years of despair was bliss.
Hi A.L.~ I had a breast reduction surgery during the pandemic and it improved my life immensely! If possible, this is the time to ask for help and assistance with housework, meals, kids and pets, if possible. Button up shirts/zip up hoodies and slip on pants and shoes make things easy. I had a wedge pillow from a previous hysterectomy surgery that I used in bed and on the couch that kept me upright (and it was easier to hoist myself up from lounging position). A rolling cart was handy days after surgery too, to put everything from my books and mags, drinks, meds, toiletries, phone and anything else you might need. My husband traveled for work later during my recovery, so I made sure everything was reachable on the counter and a weight that I could manage. A grabber reacher tool was handy for picking things up that dropped on the floor or to grab something a little higher (without lifting the arms, of course). Also, if you can, schedule a few appointments ahead with a salon to get your hair washed and dried. It’ll be hard to get your hair clean yourself at first and you’ll feel great having your hair clean and styled! Excited for you and best of luck!!
I just had my breast reduction two months ago! I would say the first two weeks were the hard ones for me (especially because I have a VERY active 3 year old). For one full week, I was pretty much a vegetable – I binged Hacks and napped all day. Daily tasks exhausted me and I was grateful for my partner for doing things like dishes, laundry, taking my son out to play, etc, so I could really focus on sleep. The second week, I was much more functional and could move around more comfortably, but was still very tired. Really, in general, I thought the exhaustion was more of an issue than the pain. Pain levels were really fine and manageable by tylenol, except at night when I’d feel achier. If you can get things like wrapping gifts out of the way, you will thank yourself. A comfortable sleeping arrangement was key, and I also stocked up on electrolyte powder because I was so dehydrated.
If you have a dog, you won’t be able to walk your pet. Or bend down to feed or pick up / lift a dog or cat. I mention it because I have a friend who had the same surgery (great result, smart move, good for you) so I am aware of that specific challenge. Even delivery groceries have to be unpacked, and that’s a no. Cooking healthy meals ahead and loading the freezer can help, subject to lifting. Rally all friends and family for help and find out if your medical facility has any support groups like they do for twin parents – other twin parents volunteer to help in the first month. Good Luck, wish you the best.
I second everything Ana Devine says about the first few days. On the whole, I found the recovery far easier than expected, but those first few days can be hard if you don’t have a plan. Also, if you haven’t decided already, I highly recommend opting for drains. A lot of surgeons promote drain-free surgeries these days, but a) drains are not at all hard to manage, and b) I had very little pain after surgery even after reducing my pain meds sooner than expected. Most of all, congrats on the decision! Definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And kudos for raising it here. I think I would have had mine years earlier if I’d known more about it, so I’m always happy to see reductions discussed in public spaces.
I am another commenter expecting my first baby this winter — mine is due January 5th! Tbh, I am preparing to HATE the newborn phase — I am much more of a kid/teen/adult person. I do love winter, however, and it is giving me hope to hear all these stories of folks who loved having their newborn in winter. Besides baby, I am looking forward to: -having fires in our woodstove -making hot chocolate with whipped cream -playing with my dog in the snow. He is part husky and his sheer joy during the first big snowfall is infectious -having twinkly lights EVERYWHERE and on timers -playing more music in the house. I was telling my husband that one big goal of mine as a parent is to play more music out loud. We are always listening to things on our headphones while doing chores, but one of my fondest memories from growing up is my parents playing their favorite CDs all weekend long. I feel like it really changes the energy and the mood of the house.
Abbe, you’ll of course feel however you end up feeling, but I just want to share that I wasn’t a baby person at all… but I was very much a MY BABY person. Shocked myself with how much I loved the newborn phase (with of course, the very real hard parts mixed in too).
I had my first baby in winter during COVID and I loved the parallel between cozying up with a newborn and them coming so much more alive as the world burst into spring. Enjoy! I am 100p a toddler+ person but there’s some real wonderment in marvelling at a baby who has recently been born from your own body.
Hey! I totally understand the newborn phobia. My intrusive thoughts on loop: omg don’t drop/sit on/forget the baby. And yes, I am loving the kindergardener and toddler age so much more… but there will be moments that make you pause with wee little ones: the way they scrunch when you pick them up, the way they will lock eyes with you at 3am and make you feel weirdly sane, the first smile… All the best, love!
Re:the music- I feel sometimes overwhelmed with all the music I should be introducing my kids to. My parents always played records- Motown mostly, but also Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Neil young, Stevie wonder, Sam Cooke, reggae. I feel like I am failing in my job as my kids largely listen to k-pop demon hunters while I have my headphones in listening to a podcast. Parenting is hard lol.
My oldest son was born on January 5th. ❤️
Please don’t go into it expecting to hate it. I loved every moment of the newborn phase. The late in the night cuddles, nursing. They are like little earth angels. All they ask of us is the very basics. Food, fresh diaper, love. I’d give anything to have those moments back. My oldest just turned 8. Every stage is magic!
I had my first child on Christmas morning…it was amazing. I loved having the quiet, slow days of winter to adjust to parenting. To cope with being up in the middle of the dark, cold nights I would make myself hot cocoa, to make it feel more intentional, and less like just waiting to go back to sleep. Good luck!
Lindsey OMG I did the same, made hot cocoa in the middle of the night and sipped it with a dim light on! It was so comforting and much better than sitting in the dark thinking about everyone else sleeping. Abbe my son was born Jan 6 and i echo another commenter that when spring and summer comes it matches their ability to be outside and explore more!
Let her live, Shel. Newborn phase is transcendent and apocalyptic, and there’s a huge chunk of the experience that’s out of anyone’s control. She can be pleasantly surprised, or glad she set her sights where she did.
Congratulations!! My twins were born at the end of january. I dreaded spending mat leave in winter but it was actually lovely. My girls were preemies so we didn’t get out much at the beginning, and it was really nice to cozy up at home, wrap them in their little blankets, and not have fomo about missing the nice weather. One thing I did was prepare a big thermos of herbal tea to last me through the (many) night feedings, I loved having a hot drink to keep me company. The main downside would be the laundry, spit up on my wool sweaters was harder to deal with than on a summer tee. Enjoy this time! The newborn stage is hard but also so so magical.
I feel this! I too thought I’d be a wreck with my first newborn, but actually it was joyously amazing. I’ve never felt so good in my life, despite the exhaustion. So, you just never know!
Thanks everyone for the kind words! I will definitely be stealing the middle of the night hot cocoa idea. Lots of love for all our winter babies.
Oh I love your music comment. I also remember my mom queuing up the living room CD stereo system with the soundtrack to The Bodyguard. We couldn’t watch TV when it was her turn for her music. I love that she did that for herself and need to do it more for me! AND – The Okee Dokee Brothers for kid music. They are good people and the music is not annoying kid stuff. In particular, their album Winterland has some fab ones you might enjoy singing to the newborn – “Blankets of Snow” “Keep Me Warm, Keep Me Cozy”.
We recently moved from a ski mountain that had a nice tailgate / apres scene and a close-knit group of friends. Our new house is close to a ski mountain, but the apres scene and close-knit group of friends don’t exist (yet). Last winter, we started Souper Sunday, where we invited families over to our house for apres. We made a bunch of soup, let the kids run wild (or put on old Warren Miller movies and let them zone out), while the adults socialized and enjoyed each other’s company. It was really fun and we look forward to doing it again this winter! If you’re looking for a good read, I recommend Go as a River.
Is your new ski town Gunnison? Or CB? Beautiful places.
:)
Go as a River was so stunningly beautiful & sad. I had no idea what it was about before diving in and boy did it grip me.
I am spending my winter planning my springtime plantings for my new garden. I’ve literally been adding seeds to my Botanical Interests cart for MONTHS already. We’re moving in a couple weeks to our forever home. I will also be reading like crazy, snuggling in all the heated blankets, drinking all the cocoa! My recipe for perfect cocoa is scaled for my 12oz cups 1 huge heaping tablespoon of cocoa 1 tablespoon sugar to taste Milk of your choice My oldest friend’s mom had a “Christmas Tea”every holiday season and it would basically be me, and my friend drinking cocoa and eating the fancy Pepperidge farm cookies that I thought were the indication of real wealth. The pirouettes, specifically! I also have adopted a new kitten so I’ll be cuddling her all winter, too.
Pepperidge Farm pirouette cookies were an indicator of wealth and prestige to me as a child! I used to dream of owning a house, having a shiny black car, and silver trays of pirouette cookies on demand- thank you for reminding me!!
I cannot wait for full on winter to set in! I can’t wait for winter hikes, watching the sunrise in the mornings, snowy walks, cozy dinners out with friends, a slower social calendar post holiday madness, working on puzzles, reaping the rewards of my husband’s baking experiments. I fantasize about this all summer while I am sweaty, uncomfortable, and cranky. My body just works better in the cold!
Mine does too, Meg! It was deliciously chilly in NYC this morning and I couldn’t help but grin on my morning commute!
Same on the winter body! I’m a teacher and often joke that I’d prefer to have my summer break in the winter. Hot weather makes my body miserable, so I’d rather have my free time in a season when I can enjoy being outside. Love me some winter!
Same here!! Winter feels way easier and more comfortable on my body…..plus there are so many cozy and fun ways to warm up in the winter…and it’s a lot harder to cool off in the summer. Winter for the win!!
Agree! Summer is my LEAST favorite season. It’s so often too hot to do what I want to do, worry about sun exposure, etc. I’m a fall birthday and grew up in New England so I love the fall season with the beautiful changing foliage and all the cozy baking and adding clothing layers. Several holidays all about gathering together. Reading under a throw. I’m ready for it!
This will be the third winter of instituting a weekly Monday evening movie series with my friends. In 2024 we did Jane Austen Winter, 2025 was slightly more complex but more personal with Movies That Made Us (I had Google Forms and spreadsheets), and in 2026 I’ve decided to orchestrate Chanuary, Chebrurary, and Charch: The Movies of Channing Tatum. A recurring, weekly scheduled hang really helps with my winter blues.
Kaylie, this is the best thing I have heard in…maybe ever?
You sound like a really wonderful friend!
I love this. LOLing at Chanuary.
Cracking up. I love it!
Chanuary through Charch is absolutely sending me hahahahaha
I hope The Lost City is on your list! It’s my favourite underrated silly adventure comedy.
Here is the schedule, should anyone else want to have their own Chanuary Chebruary and Charch: Chanuary 1/5: Step-Up 1/12: She’s the Man 1/19: Coach Carter 1/26: Dear John Chebruary 2/2: 21 Jump Street 2/9: The Vow 2/16: White House Down 2/23: Magic Mike Charch 3/2: Magic Mike XXL 3/9: Logan Lucky 3/16: Lost City 3/23: Fly Me to the Moon 3/31: Magic Mike 3
Puzzles! I loved doing puzzles before I had kids, but many years of little ones with grabby hands meant I haven’t had a puzzle out basically since my 6yo learned to walk. The other day he pulled out a puzzle that was way above his skill level and asked me to work on it. He has totally respected the sanctity of the puzzle, and my 9yo has loved helping me with it, so now I can’t wait to have a puzzle out on the living room coffee table all winter. We’re actually doing a puzzle exchange at the library where I work, and I’m looking forward to stocking up for the season!
I can’t wait till my kids are old enough for this!
I love puzzles too but don’t have room at our house ( no extra table) so I’m finally getting one of those boards which I can hide under the sofa. I’m so excited!!
Sanctity of the Puzzle would be a great name for a band
yay Heather! I just got one of those boards to shove under our sofa last xmas as my big gift ask and it’s a total delight. Seriously considering traveling with it to our inlaws so I can just sit and puzzle.
West coast winters are kinda eh, but looking forward to holiday parties and Hannukah candles twinkling, and some time off for rest and relaxation. I’ll probably knit a new hat for my brother. I’ll host my annual winter holiday party and make some spicy gingerbread and homemade applesauce for our latkes. If it gets cold, I’ll be excited for scarves and wool sweaters.
Heehee… As a former New Englander who is now resident in the Bay Area, I get the “West Coast winters are kinda eh…” Yes, they are. My poor kids don’t know what no-school snow days really are…
Oh, I was an East Coaster who decamped for the snow and iceless hills of San Francisco. It is funny to me that people here are so confused by snow days!
I am due to have my first baby in a few weeks, so my winter checklist is: 1. snuggle baby end of list!
I love this list. I hope everything goes perfectly well, and both of you come home safely for snuggle time.
I lovedddd having an infant in the winter time. so jealous! best of luck to your family!
Congratulations!!! Mazel tov!!! You’ve got this! I had my second baby at the end of June and though I’m due back at work in about a week:(((, I’m excited for the lazy holidays to snuggling my cutie!
Loved loved having my winter guy. Today is his birthday (Nov 6) and before he was born I decorated the house for Christmas and we just snuggled and lived in our newborn bubble all winter long with the fairy lights. Heaven.
We always host for holidays so my low key winter thing is having a ‘buy nothing’ brunch a few days after. I provide coffee and put puzzles on card tables around mismatched chairs. Neighbors come with half bags of pretzels and partial nutrolls. It’s established that there’s no bustling host. People are empowered to microwave quiche to their liking as I tuck my feet up and chat with my favorite octogenarian who lives next door. It’s idyllic (and as a bonus all those holiday leftovers don’t go to waste)
I love that Emily! I might be inspired to do the same with some lonely neighbours… love from Paris
Emily O I love this idea!! Thanks for sharing!
This is a genius idea. May have to institute this within my friend group!
In Canada and the UK this happens on Dec26! It is called Boxing Day!
This is a magnificent idea! I have an early January birthday, and I always want to see my friends, but everyone is so done with socializing and partying after New Year’s, that it never seems to happen. but maybe I could talk everyone into coming over to my house for a But Nothing brunch! Thank you for sharing!
We recently got the welcome news that both of my kids will be done with exams earlier than expected, which means HUGS SOONER!! So that’s what I’m most looking forward to. Also, I am a Christmas nut, and I can’t wait to decorate and put on my rather extensive Christmas music collection! And putting on a huge spread for our huge extended family is always a blast, especially since a) I’ve learned to relax and enjoy it (having a detailed schedule is key in that) and b) we all cook together! Other winter things to look forward to: – going for a vigorous walk and NOT SWEATING! – watching my husky play in the snow – We put an insert in the fireplace and it’s so cozy! And so much more efficient!! – Melissa Clark’s lemony white bean soup with turkey and kale – home-made cookies – Watching at least three versions of A Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart, Muppets, Albert Finney)
hot yoga, baby. nothing like escaping the bone-cold MN winter with a candlelit, steamy-as-hell studio. i always feel like a wrung out towel when i’m done–in the best of ways. also the holy grail of any snowy night: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/jubla-unscented-chandelier-candle-white-60191916/
thanks, CKK! great candle tip