For the Love of Winter
Wintry mix?!? I’m supposed to believe that a benevolent God created WINTRY MIX? I just want snow.
As hard as it is to believe, January is almost over. I will spare you the trivialities about how time goes by so quickly, it seems to speed up every year, etc. More front of mind for me than the relativity of time is the fact that we are firmly in the depths of winter. I’m talking about the period of time post-New Year’s through the part of March where you feel like it really can’t go on like this anymore. Obviously, pre-holidays, the “winter” is an absolute delight. So, we’ve survived about a month of the real thing, and we have approximately another month and a half to get through. So close, yet so far (again with the relativity of time)!
Knowing that the next month and a half is bound to last an eternity, I’ve been ruminating on our collective perception of winter. I do understand that it feels harder to find joy and light when it’s dreary and dark (like literally dark outside), but I’m beginning to think our widespread distaste for the colder months is a herd mentality thing. Is it really so bad? I personally don’t think it is.
In fact, when people talk about their favorite seasons, I often say that mine is winter. Is that fully true? I don’t know, obviously I like spring too, and summer is always fun, and who doesn’t love a crisp fall day, and of course, I’m not immune to the parts of winter that are less than ideal. So, maybe it’s partially true. But combine that partial truth with my contrarian nature, and all of a sudden, I’m winter’s biggest spokesperson.
I will say that I’m not totally alone in my advocacy for the much-dreaded season. Just look at the growing fascination with hygge - the latest manifestation of our increasingly prevalent obsession with all things Scandinavian. Hygge (pronounced “hoo-guh,” which seems crazy) is a Danish word that describes the good feelings we derive from coziness and comfort. It’s about enjoying the little things. As far as I can tell, there’s no specific connection to the winter season, but I guess most of the year is winter in Denmark so it makes sense. Either way, as hygge has entered the mainstream in the US and other European countries, it has become a winter thing - blankets, candles, low light - essentially hibernation.
I’m not an expert, so if you want to read more about hygge, I’ll point you toward this article, which is written by a Dane. The central argument the author makes is that, despite the craze and commercialization, hygge is just a feeling. Whether or not we’re getting it right, I’m a supporter of anything that dares to flip the script and point out that winter isn’t actually that bad. In that spirit, here are some of my favorite things that are either better in the winter or make the winter better.
Taking baths
I recently became a bath person, and it’s delightful. I was previously a no-bath person, which means I know all the anti-bath arguments. If you don’t want to soak in your filth, shower beforehand. If you don’t get it because the water level goes down and it starts to get cold, just run the hot tap for a minute or two. If you get bored and antsy, a bath is a great opportunity to unplug, unwind and make yourself sit still for 15-20 minutes.
Baths are better in the winter because it’s cold outside, and it’s warm in the water. I’m training for a half-marathon (yes, you read that right), and nothing is better than coming in from a long run through the wind tunnel that is the West Side Highway pedestrian path and sinking into a hot bath. Epsom salt, a candle and my book. Chef’s kiss. I know a tub is a luxury, but if you have one, give it a chance.
Wearing socks to bed
Please don’t call the authorities on me. Similar to the way that the world is divided into bath people and no-bath people, I am well aware that there are socks-in-bed people and anyone-who-wears-socks-to-bed-is-a-sociopath people. Again, I used to be a staunch member of the latter group, and now, I am not.
According to this Cleveland Clinic article, which I feel like is reputable enough, wearing socks to bed may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep better. However, that’s not why I started sleeping with socks on (though I do think it’s true). My skin gets dry in the winter, so putting lotion on before bed and trapping that lotion on my skin with a pair of socks is like a homemade foot mask that keeps my feet feeling like I just got a pedicure. It also doesn’t make all my skin fall off like some of those foot masks they sell at CVS. A side benefit is that my hands also stay moisturized.
Making tea with a kettle
It’s simple. Tea is good. I love black tea during the day, and I love herbal tea before bed. It’s warm and cozy, especially when you hold your mug with both hands up directly under your face, and then you look out the window at the falling snow flurries and sigh contentedly like some character out of a Nancy Meyers movie. I love it. However, I DO NOT love microwaving water. That is not at all the vibe. I want my water to be heated up by FIRE, which requires a kettle.
Buying a kettle changed my life. My tea consumption has more than tripled, and I’m happier for it. The water boils quickly, and the kettle yells at me when it’s ready. Mine is from Le Creuset, and I’m actually obsessed with it. I went to the website so I could link it (I have this one in oyster) and discovered that they have this Valentine’s day themed one. I wish it wasn’t ridiculous to own two kettles.
Going out to dinner alone
This is my favorite form of self-care all year round, but it’s particularly cozy in the winter. I know that for some people, eating alone feels awkward and uncomfortable, but I guarantee, if you push past the discomfort, you will grow to love it. It’s important to be able to hang out with yourself alone.
In New York City in particular, nothing could be easier or more normal. People honestly don’t even notice you. Also, when you’re alone, you can get into restaurants that are otherwise impossible. There’s almost always a solo floating stool at the bar, and I do recommend sitting at the bar (even I don’t particularly enjoy sitting across the table from an empty seat). If you want to, you can make friends with the bartender or your neighbors, or you can read a book like I do. It doesn’t count if you sit on your phone the whole time, sorry.
Owning an original duckhead umbrella
Much like my beautiful kettle, this umbrella changed my LIFE. No exaggeration. I now look forward to rainy days, of which there have been many this winter (yes - I can look forward to rainy days AND complain about wintry mix - I contain multitudes). It’s adorable, it feels good in my hand, it looks so cute sticking out of my bag.
I broke the cardinal rule of umbrellas - umbrellas should not be bought, they must be found, stolen or appear randomly in your home - by asking for this umbrella for my birthday. I’m so glad I did and that my mom humored me. Consider this your official permission to break the cardinal rule too, and buy one for yourself here.
Deciding to just like winter
Last but not least, you can change your own mind. Our brains are powerful, and every time you think “this weather is miserable,” you’re strengthening that neural pathway in your brain. Try instead to say “I love winter.” It may be a lie at first, but if vegans can convince themselves that cauliflower tastes like chicken, and born-again virgins can convince themselves that that’s…a thing, then you can trick yourself into enjoying winter. I’m not a neuroscientist, but I’m pretty sure that’s the way it works.
Try spending a little bit of time outside every day. Intentional time. It’s cold, but if you’re properly bundled, it’s really not so bad. The cold can be refreshing both physically and mentally. I’ve been running outside several times a week (training for a half marathon, if you’ve already forgotten from when I mentioned it earlier in this post), and it’s given me a real appreciation for the winter light and the crisp air. If you don’t run, you can walk.
In short:
Soooo enjoyable, Eve!! Loved this. And you gotta use FIRE, always. Microwave is so not the vibe.