8 Tips for Getting Through a Long Winter
Winter is a magical time when you’re waiting for Christmas to come. The snow is a welcomed friend, bringing joy and excitement for the upcoming holiday. But that all seems to change shortly after Christmas has passed. The cold lingers and the snow has overstayed its welcome.
I’m not sure about you, but I love winter from about Thanksgiving until the New Year. After that, I am ready for spring and the warmth of the sun. So how do we get through the long cold months after the joys of the holidays are over? Take a look at these tips to keep you sane and even enjoying those lingering days of winter!
#1: Decorate your Home
I am sure many of you, like myself, hate taking down your Christmas décor. It leaves us feeling sad that the most wonderful time of the year has passed. The worst part is having that empty home feeling afterward. This is why my first tip for getting through a long winter is to decorate your house not only for Christmas but for winter as well.
Bringing elements of this season into your décor means you can keep this up through February and perhaps even into early March, depending on the weather!
What to Decorate With
Things like evergreen wreaths, garlands, pinecones, snowcapped trees, and tiny deer décor can all stay throughout the season of winter. Anything that reminds you of a snow-covered forest is perfect for winter décor!
I’ll keep up our sleigh bells, wreaths, and twig trees on display all season long, and am hoping to find some old ice skates and a wooden sled to add to my winter décor collection one day.
By adding winter to your Christmas decor, or even adding it in after the holiday, you can keep that cozy winter feel in your home, even after the traditional Christmas decorations have been packed away.
#2: Do Your Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a popular activity and seems to be a yearly tradition in most homes. For some reason, this is the time when everyone decides to organize and declutter their homes. But spring is the season that brings us more nice days than winter, so why not consider doing your spring cleaning now?
If you’re stuck in the house because of bad weather, you might as well get it all done early. Now when spring arrives you are ready to get outside and enjoy those warmer days!
#3: Start a Hobby
Think about your goals for the year or something you’ve wanted to learn but haven’t made time for. These dreary winter days are the perfect time to start! Take this time to improve upon a skill or start working towards a new one.
Make it a point to find new recipes to make, start learning to play guitar, or even try your hand at letter writing. Having something to do with your time indoors can really help in getting through a long winter.
#4: Get Crafty
Now is the time to do crafts for the spring, or those long overdue home DIY projects. Finish mending those clothing items that have been sitting in the closet for months (talking to myself here…). Simple things like making some bird feeder pinecones and watching the cardinals and bluebirds outside your home. Perhaps try making candles or body scrubs.
Think of something fun that you can create to make your home, and yourself, feel a bit cozier! YouTube has plenty of craft channels and Pinterest as always is stocked full of great DIY projects.
Exploring the Ice Castles in Utah was so much fun and such a unique experience!
#5: Get Outdoors
Being outdoors and embracing the season is one of the best ways to get through a long winter. Don’t think that once Christmas has passed it means all of the fun activities are over! Winter activities are a lot of fun and there are plenty of options out there. Do some research and see what activities are available in your area.
Some great winter activities include snowmobiling, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, alpine skiing or snowboarding. (I personally veer away from the downhill slopes but am more than willing to enjoy some food and drink at the lodge).
Even a walk in your snow boots at the park can be reviving. If you haven’t tried snowshoeing, I highly recommend it! It’s like winter hiking, you can pick the amount of difficulty and it keeps your feet warmer in the snow.
Keep the activity extra simple and go sledding or build a snowman. Look up if you have any ice castles or ice sculpture contests in your area. Those are always a blast and usually take place in January or February.
A picture we took of Hidden Falls at Grand Teton National Park
#6: Plan Vacations
Plan a winter getaway. Of course, many of us use some of that precious PTO for Christmas. But if it’s February and the weather’s got you down, consider planning something as simple as an extended weekend away. You can get a cabin in the mountains or go to the beach somewhere warm and sunny to escape the cold. Just a few days away can do a lot to revive oneself.
Plan your big trips for the year. Now is a great time to plan that summer vacation or spring getaway. I am a big believer that everyone should plan a trip once a season. This can either be a weekend trip or a full-on vacation, just something that you can look forward to once a quarter.
Figure out the fun activities you want to do locally for normal weekends as well! Like going to a flower festival in the spring, or peach picking in the summer. This is the perfect time to plan out your outings for the year. Put it on the calendar so you have visual reminders of what to look forward to.
Not sure what there is to do where you live? Then you need to check out this post on connecting with where you live for all kinds of great ideas!
#7: Whip up Some Cheer
Just because Christmas is over it doesn’t mean it’s time to stop making the good stuff! Bake some cookies to bring to a friend or take into work. Something like gingersnaps or oatmeal raisin cookies are great, with all those winter spices.
Make some hearty dishes like soups, stews, and roasts. Add in some veggies and fresh bread to round it all out and enjoy a warm meal. Heartwarming and belly-warming foods always help me get through a long winter! Don’t forget to decorate your table, even a simple centerpiece can brighten your spirit.
#8: Take Care of Yourself
Begin some new healthy self-care habits. This means for your mind as well as your body. Some people get down during these dreary winter months, so don’t let yourself get into a slump.
Workout to get those happy endorphins pumping through your veins. Start a stretching routine to help counteract those long days at a desk or on your feet.
Plan some activities that engage your mind, as well as ones that relax your mind. Read more and play some games.
Take care of your skin. Start a morning and evening skincare routine. Start a routine for your hair, nails, teeth, feet, or whatever could use some extra care. Take more baths or read to help you relax and unwind before bed.
Enjoy the Time
No matter what you plan to do, try to enjoy the time you get during each season. Every time of year offers us something special, something new to try and explore.
Although each season can come with its own challenges as well, there is still a lot to be grateful for in the long run. Any time of year is the perfect time to improve ourselves, our relationships, and the connections we have to our homes.
