As I’m writing this, it’s a blissful 18 degrees here in western Wisconsin and the only thing us midwesterners can talk about is a potential for high 30’s tomorrow. Snow will melt! Please let it be true!!
There are actually some folks out there that truly “love” winter. Oh thee of high metabolisms, that run outside with merely a vest and proclaim sweatiness in moments! Oh thee who adore dangerous winter sports such as hockey, skiing and skating! (I would die!) These are the same people who cry out that “it doesn’t feel like Christmas without snow”. I reply each year (in my head): screw that!
However, I’ve officially grown weary of my own bitter feelings towards the most brutal of seasons and have made it my personal quest to no longer dread but LOOK FORWARD to winter. Gasp!
Wintertime is loooooong here. Life is too short. It’s time to cultivate a series of activities and treats that are my “only in wintertime” special things. Here are my highly unscientific but inspired ideas:
First, take up a winter hobby that does not involve skidding across snow and ice. Suggestions include knitting, crochet and quilting. Now is the time. Very few people are knitting in the blistering summer sun, am I right? There is definitely a knit or quilt shop near you with beginners lessons and you tube is has many instructive video options. These are life skills, not just for old ladies. Seriously! At the very least, you can amuse yourself by accumulating your own stash of sumptuous yarn that never quite becomes an actual project. Shopping trip!
Next, we move on to food and drink. How about a daily cup of hot cocoa? If it’s winter, it’s your new afternoon treat! Or you could sub with a delicious fancy tea that will be your “only in wintertime” tea. Get a soup cookbook from the library or bookstore and attempt a few new recipes. One is bound to be your new favorite. For me, I’ve been making a ton of chicken soup with dumplings. At least two of four my children adores it. Mom win!
Third, invest in new winter gear and make the effort to wear.it.all. Time to overdress for success! I’m feeling invincible walking the dog in my full ensemble, especially now that I ditched my old worn boots for much warmer new ones. There are actual websites that rate winter boots, just google it. This falls under the self-care emblem, I say. Stop trying to rush out the door without your hat. Listen to mom here.
If all else fails, set aside a small monthly fund for beauty self-care. Everyone feels good when they feel pretty! I’m currently on month two of monthly gel manicures and they have absolutely raised my happiness quotient. Fancy hands: worth every penny.
And finally…sage advice from my 7 year old: “Run around more. Just keep running around and you won’t get cold.” Boom.
I love this. And with 4 kids I'm jealous you get a higher probability of someone liking something. JELLY!