I am not a big fan of winter. I find that during winter I tend to spend a lot of time inside, sometimes even too much. I don't like when it's too cold and I don't like when the snow is melting. I get lazy and the food is heavy during the holidays. I honestly feel like a sloth during the winter months.
This autumn I tried to focus on the things I like about it rather than the things I would usually complain about and it worked really well! Focusing on the good things that I enjoy made a big change so I will try to do this again, this time for winter.
Later this month I will share my winter bucket list but for now I want to share some ideas on how you can enjoy winter even if you're not a massive fan of this season:
1. Get into the holiday spirit
This is the time of the year when everything is holiday/Christmas oriented. You just can't avoid it. Movies on TV, music playlists, people sharing their decorations, Christmas cookies and first snow pictures on Social media (I am one of them raises hand). City streets, malls, cafes - everything is in the spirit of the holidays. Even the street musicians are dressed like Santa. Some years I try to ignore the holiday mood but eventually I just "go with the flow" and enjoy it.
I know that a lot of you have the tradition of buying gifts and if you have a big family and a lot of friends, it can be quite stressful. So I would suggest to make a list of gift ideas for each person, your budget and start shopping on time, wrap up the presents and you will be ready and stress-free.
2. Cozy nights in
I am sure that each and every one of us can appreciate a cozy night in during the freezing months. This is also the time when I wish (more than ever) that I had a pet, a dog or a cat or both, to snuggle in with. Watching a movie or TV series, reading a book or just scroll through Steemit, Youtube or blogs, maybe listening to some music and of course adding some popcorn or a hot drink is a must.
3. Decorate
Last year I put some red lights around my window and it really added a nice, festive touch to my room. I would turn them on in the evening while chilling in my room (sloth style) and I'm planning to do the same this year. Our Christmas tree is in the living room and sometimes we add lights on our balcony. Nothing crazy, we just use the same stuff we have each year, keeping it simple. I am also going to use some festive candle holders that we have for an extra touch.
4.Food and drinks
If nothing on this list so far makes you feel like you can enjoy winter, I am sure this one is the way to go. Freshly baked bread, soups, muffins or cookies. Hot cocoa, tea, cappuccino or mulled wine. This is something you can do by yourself, playing some music, dancing around and making your favorite food/drink or it can be a family/couple/friend activity.
5. Reflection, gratitude and a fresh start
I feel like this is the time of the year when we all look back at the things we did, wish we did, completed successfully or failed at, good memories, bad memories, times we laughed and we cried, embarrassing moments, things that happened but were not planned... No matter how this year was for you, there is always something you can learn and be grateful for. Make a list of those and you can also set some goals for the next year and make actual, detailed plans on how you can achieve them.
Today I am grateful for the positive attitude towards the upcoming season, trying to make the best out of it.
Great post, @nikolina!
I do everything you wrote on this list and I absolutely love this time of the year - I get to feel like a kid (more than I usually do during the rest of the year anyways, haha). I get really excited about lights and decorations, the festive spirit in the streets, Christmas markets, all the season's special sweets and desserts, mulled wine, pumpkin spiced lattes....
Ah, the list goes on!...
I have spent the last 4 Christmas holidays in Asia, and though colorful, the vibe was kinda wrong for me! Growing up in Europe, I have connected the festive season with cold and snow and winter landscapes.
I'm back in Europe for these holidays and I'm already driving my family and friends nuts with my over-excitement!
P.s. I can think of few things more relaxing than sitting by a window while it's snowing outside (preferably in front of a fireplace), wine or a hot chocolate in my hands and a good book for company...
Yes, this time of the year is perfect for channeling our inner kid, hehe!
I would totally feel the same, winter Holidays must have a totally different vibe without snow and cold weather. I'm glad you will get to experience it this season, I'm sure you'll really enjoy it! :)
I see that we have the same idea of how this time should be spent. :D Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, I love reading comments like this! Cheers (with some red wine)
Great list!
Further, we can get ourselves outside anyways. I'm inclined to believe that there is no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing choices. Let's bundle up and get some fresh air... and then notice how our mood improves! For my part, I'm going to do all of the above.
Thanks!
Oh my God, this is an amazing attitude! Love it! :D
I love spending time outside when there is fresh snow or walking the city center streets when all is decorated and shiny! :)
Thank you for your comment, I like your way of thinking!
Idemo napred, vreme je za uzivanje
:)))
That is how I feel about the winter and during the winter.
I like your tips on how to stay positive and still have fun during this time of year. I find myself doing way more baking and cooking and spending more time on getting to know myself and lots of productive reading etc.
Thank you so much!
I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and get some inspiration to fill my time with fun and productive activities.
I like the 'getting to know myself' part, I think it's very important. :)
Nice tips, i try to enter in the holidays mood, and i agree decorate my home like xmas time help me!
Thank you!
I'm glad to hear that! :)
I enjoy all the seasons but I hear many people grumbling about it starting to get cold and the possibility of snow in the forecast. Thank you for the reminders of some of the positive things about winter. I also think it is a beautiful time of the year, just like spring, summer and fall. They each have their beauty. Blessings on your holiday season.
That is a great attitude to have. I am trying to keep it positive and joyful. Embracing the beauty of each season is the key. :)
Gratitude is key. love your tips! :)
I agree, gratitude is so powerful and life changing!
Thank you! :)
I love that! I'm not a winter person either but you're totally right with your list! :) It's getting cold here now and I'm just trying to enjoy it, like staying at home and all that :)
Thank you!
We can all do little things that bring us joy and have fun, it's all about the attitude and mindset!
Let's make this winter awesome! :D
yup!! It's all about the right mindset. yes I'll try :)
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
Thank you, I'm glad you liked them! :)
Stay inside by the fire with a mulled wine!!! :-D
That's how I picture my evening's during the winter time, but I have to "spice it up" a little bit with some other activities, haha! :D
I made a Gratitude List for this year. I want to reread them... We don't have winter in my country but I'll take your advice. Take care, @nikolina. Happy holidays! I so love to see the Christmas decor. :) Of course, I'd love to hear people sharing love and demonstrating generosity towards the needy. Blessings!