Winter Comforts

Faith Tree

“My old grandmother always used to say, Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.”
― George R.R. Martin, A Feast for Crows

How is it possible to find comfort in a winter that seems to never end?

Here in the Northeast, as in other parts of the country, we have been bombarded by snow, snow, snow and freezing temperatures. We woke up to freezing rain and snow this morning yet again, and it’s only the beginning of February!

As optimistic as I try to be, I can get down in the dumps about all this cold weather. But I do have some secret weapons that help me through a long winter. Here are some of my best strategies:

First, I use pops of color to keep me motivated. I have a set of bright beaded bracelets I bought from a sweet bunch of young girls who were selling them to raise money. I think it was the Girl Scouts. So I bought a handful of them and sport them on bleak dreary days. I also have some bright sweaters- red!- and cheery scarves just perfect for a pick me up.

A Crystal Dove on my Winter Tree!
A Crystal Dove on my Winter Tree!

Second, I made an indoor winter tree. Since I didn’t have the heart to completely dismantle my holiday tree, I adapted it. I put away the obvious Christmas ornaments and left the winter ones on. I have a small pair of mittens, a miniature ice skate, frosted cranberry branches and other red and white decorations amid golden twinkle lights. I admit to lighting this glowing tree every morning while I drink my first coffee of the day and do my spiritual readings. I love the glow and the light infuses hope into my heart and soul.

Third, I spend time with my friends. We go to lunch, hit the mall or my favorite consignment shop. I put on my warmest boots and coat and push myself to get out, as long as the roads are good. Lunch with Amy is one of my favorite things and we went to a place recently with a crackling fire. I love fires!

Fourth, I drink a lot of hot cocoa! I bought some candy cane cocoa at holiday’s end and I’ve been enjoying a mug almost daily. Yes, it is indulgent but tough times call for strategic measures! Cocoa is a must in winter weather and marshmallows make it all the better.

Finally, I try new recipes. I made a delicious navy bean soup twice in the last few weeks. Making my own chicken broth and using a leftover holiday ham bone cranked up the volume on this heart warming soup! Check out the recipe HERE if you’re a bean soup fan!

Don’t you feel warmer and cozier already? Please share your winter weather strategy measures. I’d love to hear from you and I’m sure others would as well!

It's nice to share. Thank you.

11 Replies to “Winter Comforts”

  1. Nice Cozy post! Here in Texas, winter doesn’t last as long. We don’t get much snow, but in January and February we can get some pretty bad ice storms! Those days, all you can do is stay in if possible! The south is not equipped to handle the bad weather so we stay in! I prefer the snow over the ice! Winter time is when I enjoy crocheting and I love to sit on the wedge of my couch, covered with a blanket and read!

  2. I do feel warmer already! Thank you for these delightful tips for keeping cheer in our hearts even as the snow and cold batters our optimism. I love your idea of having a winter tree and just might put mine back up! Mind you I still have up a string of white faerie lights around the livingroom window I’ve been forgetting to plug in… but you’ve encouraged me to do so! And homemade soups warm the soul and the tummy. Such a comforting aroma. And cocoa? Yum! Thanks again for offering this lovely post like a warm and friendly hug. Hugs back! xo Gina

    1. Hi Gina! Glad you feel warmer already! I hope you are inspired to plug your white faerie lights back in and bask in the glow.
      I so appreciate your stopping by and warming up! I hope you decide to make a hot batch of soup!
      xo Joanne

  3. Oh, I do feel for you, Joanne. My family lives in New Jersey, and they have been having single digits most of the winter, and of course, like you that big snow storm a couple of days ago, and now again today. This winter there certainly must seem long. Denise (my sister), said that it was so hard to keep her feet warm, even in the car.

    The other reason I understand is because we have similar conditions here in SE Texas, only with the heat. Our summers can begin (oh, I hope not this year) in April or May and continue into November. And when I say heat, I mean heat – temps in the upper 90s to low 100s every day and usually with 70-90% humidity. So I understand that having much too much of one thing can get ones spirits low. But I do like the ways you’ve found to keep yours high. The hot chocolate and hot bean soup sound very cozy, and being with friends always makes the day brighter. Your winter tree is such a nice idea. I usually leave snowmen up until March, because, well, one can always hope 🙂

    Blessings for keeping warm,
    Marianne xo

    1. Hi Marianne,
      As I get older, I can only imagine months of very hot weather and the effect that would have on me! I used to look forward to the heat of August, etc but now I love the comfort of my air conditioner!
      It is necessary to go to lengths, especially this winter, to keep positive and motivated. This winter has been especially hard but I think that will make spring all the more sweet. 🙂
      Blessings, Joanne

  4. It’s miserable here in Colorado, too (this morning the real temp. was -4 and we still had about 6″ of snow from yesterday). At this same time last year we’d had 8 days by Feb. 5th when golfers were lined up on the courses!
    We’re on the same page, Joanne. I have brightly beaded bracelets, too, AND a red sweater. In fact, I cheer myself up with everything on your list EXCEPT the winter tree. What a wonderful idea! But I do at least have a pair of my granddaughter’s baby mittens–red with tiny white snowflakes–that I have hanging from my Christmas Cactus plant, and that helps.
    Surely, this weather will pass soon. Surely.

    1. It is good to know that we are all in this together Marylin! It is very cold here again this morning and I’m about ready for a mug of cocoa. 🙂
      I love that you have a pair of your granddaughter’s mittens hanging from your Christmas cactus! How lovely!
      Let’s keep wearing red and together we’ll stand up to these cold days!
      xo Joanne

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