I hope I’m not the only one who gets strangely depressed after the decorations come down. We go from months of full-on holiday glitz and glitter to completely empty.  Since the end of September, there has been some semblance of seasonal decor filling our spaces and bringing joy. Now we face the dark, cold months, and with the exception of Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s day, the next several weeks are pretty barren as far as festive decor goes.  

I admit, there is an underlying conflict of emotional interest: part of me is glad for the clean slate, the other is feeling naked and without direction.  But if you look at various religious and ancient traditions, this time of year is all about slowing down.

These winter months encourage us to naturally slow down (hibernate) and reflect. To enjoy what we have, to prepare for spring when the earth starts to awaken and we stumble out of our long winter’s nap. This slower time is also for letting go, to make room for something even better.

Enjoy the feeling of a clean slate

As you’re cleaning up and putting away, keep a box out for donations and purging of things that have served their purpose for you.

• What do you want to achieve this year? 

• What can you let go of to make that happen?

Maybe you want to finally clean out that spare room so you can create your own personal library and office. Or on a smaller level, that junk drawer in the kitchen could be an excellent candidate for purging so you can dedicate it to your baking items. Or, what if you actually got rid of that old hand-me-down chair and planned for something you really love? (It's time to stop hiding it with throws and pillows and making excuses for it to your company.)

Instead of looking at all of the “lack” after your holiday decorations are packed away, give yourself permission to take this time to plan.

One of my favorite winter activities is to get a bunch of seed catalogs and plan my garden for spring planting, or indoor seed starting.  I love to use this time to make sure my favorite chair is tucked up close to the fireplace with a basket for reading materials and a notebook close at hand. I’ve also started setting out limited winter decorations such as white floral arrangements, or pale blue napkins at my place settings with white napkin rings, and little hand towels with snowflakes in the bath. 

My tea box is thoroughly stocked with a variety of herbal sachets waiting for a pour of hot water, and my liquor cabinet contains a lovely bourbon for the perfect hot toddy. Blue and white hand soaps and plain white dishware in the kitchen completes the feel. Just enough to combat any sadness that may arise from having no decorations at all.

These little touches refresh my soul and help me celebrate this time of year, encouraging me to use this time wisely in preparation for when my schedule will become hectic in the longer days. 

Embrace Hygge, the quality of cozy well-being

Whatever you do, use this winter season to get in touch with changes around your home that will enhance your indoor experiences. Hygge, a Danish term defined as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being” is the essence you’re shooting for.

Here are some other quick and easy ways to incorporate Hygge into your winter season:

1. Take up a handicraft.  Seriously. Cross-stitch, knitting, hand sewing, sketching, beading, knot tying… the list is endless.  And nothing is cozier than sitting by the fire and working in the zen-like state these tasks create.

2. Host an intimate gathering. Every February in the dead of winter a group of my close friends and I get together for “Cassoulet Night”.  An evening of traditional slow-cooked French peasant food, wine, camaraderie, and gastronomic bliss. You could host something similar — a perfect opportunity to use those blue table linens.

3. Make a winter wreath of grapevine and white and/or blue florals. You can later dress it up with reds or greens for Valentines or St Patricks Day. Or take a walk/hike and collect some of the easily cuttable branches and berry pips and arrange them in a vase. 

4. Cook through the food in your freezer.  Now is the perfect opportunity to use up those things you forgot about by creating hearty soups and stews.  Find a great bakery and add in some crusty bread.

5. Revive family game night.  Rearrange the furniture in your living room to create a cozy seating nook with a small game table, or a place to work on puzzles.

If you need some additional inspiration, head over to my hygge-inspired Pinterest board for some more ideas. 

Before we know it, spring will be here and we will be wishing we had more time to plan. Receive the gift of time now, and enjoy good use of it!

Yours,
Monique

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