ABC of Winter
It’s that time of year already! We are well into Winter now and almost the end of 2018. I want to make the most of the next couple of weeks and fill them with as many festive things as possible.
And reflect on the positive and negatives of this Winter.
Advent calendars. I’ve enjoyed filling up an advent calendar for my Grandson, not just chocolate, but pencils, miniature crackers, tree decorations. I know which are his favs already!!
Birthdays. My daughter has her birthday two days before Christmas, so forever there has been extra pressure to make it special for her. Maybe a spa day this year. Shhhh!
Christmas music. It starts on December 1st and I don’t ever get fed up of my Spotify festive playlist and hunting out new classics to add to it. Coldplay Christmas Lights is just one of my favs.
If you have one, please let me know!
Decorating. I don’t have a Christmas tree, but I’ll still decorate my little house in other ways.
Exploring Stockholm at the end of December ready for the New Year fireworks over Skansen.
Feature some great content on my Instagram account. I’d like to snap some really seasonal stuff.
Gingerbread baking. For as much as I love baking, I’ve never been satisfied with my gingerbread men. This year, I will conquer them.
Hot Chocolate (and hot beverages in general) perfect especially on Christmas Eve. And as much milky Chai as I can get.
Ice cream mixed with left over Christmas pudding and refrozen, a ready-made dessert for January.
January. I always feel this is the month to plan for the year ahead, holidays, the garden, all with the thrill of a new diary to write up and fill.
Kindness. Generosity in others and humankind seems to come out more during the holidays and it can be inspiring to see.
Lighting candles and spending time being as cosy and as introverted as possible.
Movies. I am a sucker for a good holiday movie. I have so many holiday favourites, not limited to: Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday, The Grinch (the old animated one), A Muppet’s Christmas Carol and Meet Me in St Louis.
Nights in. Life gets busy, so for me, one of the best things about winter is the increased acceptability of getting to be housebound.
Open fires and the cosy woody smell coupled with gentle waves of warmth. I gravitate to anyone who has one. But this candle is the next best thing, Molton Brown Russian Leather.
Planning places to visit next year. I’ve a big birthday next year so that will be somewhere special. It could be a road trip down the west coast of Ireland, Scottish island hopping, or taking Hurtigruten along the Norwegian coast and I’m really missing being in France.
Quiet mornings and frosty country walks.
Ringing in the New Year somewhere different this year, Scandi style.
Snow. Could a white Christmas be in store for us this year? I’d absolutely love it if I did not have to drive!
Traditions, family Christmas togetherness, but I realise it changes and has to evolve. Now I have a grandson, and my son is sharing his Christmas in his own house for the first time.
Utilise some new skills. I’d love to finish knitting a blanket and make my own patchwork quilt.
Velvet. I normally don’t see this worn any other time of the year but Winter. I’ve added velvet jeans to my wardrobe this winter.
Watching Christmas films. From Harry Potter film marathons, to Christmas classics, it’s a great time of year to curl up and watch something.
Xmas lists. Our Xmas list gets smaller as we get older….and we find out things we really want can’t be bought.
Yuletide cheer. Everyone seems more friendly around Christmas!
Zzzzz…Winter is the best time to catch up on some snooze underneath a cosy duvet.
What’s on your list for the Winter?