The Cozy Months

My Guide to Thriving while it's Dark & Cold

I was raised in a winter-loving, cold-embracing household, so winter has always been a time I’ve cherished. I look forward to daylight savings and I yearn for the temperatures dropping low enough that I can wear three or more layers when heading out the door. Each year around this time, I share some of the ways I take advantage of the change of seasons to TikTok, and it goes viral each time. I don’t believe it’s because I have anything new or revolutionary to say — I think it’s because we’ve been trained to be negative, to only feel good when it’s sunny, to hold on to things to complain about. But, when we take a step back and choose to see the beauty, there is so much joy and freedom to be found! All that to say, here are the ways I thrive in these wonderful, cozy months ahead.

1. I cook warm, nutritious meals almost every night.

2. I prioritize routines that I don’t enjoy as much when it’s warm, like a hot bath.

3. I sauna and go to hot workout classes a few times a week.

4. I wear comfortable cozy pieces that I miss all summer. Pulling out my jackets, knits, and thick socks sparks so much joy for me each year.

5. I bake family recipes just for fun. I take advantage of using the oven and stove since I avoid using them so much when it’s warm outside.

6. I light a candle as soon as the sun goes down.

7. I take cold walks at sunset, even if that means it’s at 4:00pm. I view the early sunsets as a gift — permission to settle in and wind down guilt-free.

8. I decorate my space for the holidays and embrace every second of the build up to Christmas.

9. I sip on multiple teas throughout the day.

10. I find reasons to get outside to breathe in the cold, fresh air.

11. I host, even if it’s just my husband and me. I treat meals and evenings as something to celebrate. You don’t need a reason to make dinner into a gathering, no matter how many people are there.

12. I make sure our bed is the coziest place in our apartment.

13. I make a yummy latte every morning. I go to bed looking forward to sipping it on the couch when I wake up.

14. I find a new puzzle to do each holiday season. I slowly piece it together as the year ends.

15. I snuggle my husband and our dogs as much as possible.

I think it’s such a silly waste of time to be mad at winter when it comes around every year with beauty and opportunity to embrace. Coziness is such a gift, yet it is often neglected and resented. Slowing down, breathing fresh air, staying in, and allowing ourselves to reset is necessary for a life well-lived.

If you’re a winter lover, I’d love to know what you what you do celebrate the season ahead, and what you miss most about it in the warmer months.

Chat soon,

Greta