how to have a cozy holiday season

If you’ve been around for a bit, you know that I struggle with winter. The bitter winter, the dark mornings, it all makes me want to hibernate for a few months. But nevertheless, we can’t escape winter and instead of complaining and slowly turning into the Grinch, so let’s embrace the season we’re in.

As December 21st has officially passed, it is time to acknowledge that winter has arrived. The weather forecast is predicting snow as the holiday break I’ve been longing for has just begun. (It’s funny to me that when you’re a kid, you have all the breaks in the world. When you’re an adult, the world just keeps turning and turning.)

If you’re anything like me, this time of the year is hard. Which means you have to be intentional if you’re wanting to actually have a good time! I want to share some ways to intentionally enjoy the cozy season we’re in.

Watch the sunrise or sunset

I’ve been horrific at this but it’s one of the major perks of the winter. Though I hate the darkness, especially mornings where I have to wake up in the dark to get to the office on time, there’s something so lovely about waking up and watching the sunrise with a cup of tea in hand. A few weeks ago, I was in the city with Kate and we were wandering a flea market, and I saw this gorgeous painting of a winter sunrise. The colors of a winter sunrise are so much brighter against the stark white landscape. Below I have some photos of winter sunrises in Virginia, a view I miss dearly.

Related Post: easy autumn to hard winter season | quiet winter series

Put up some twinkle lights

One of the worries around this time of year is cost, but if you’re anything like me, there’s no need to buy anything new. You probably have decorations stored away in your attic or garage. I have some twinkle lights from my college days and I put them up. I also have a Santa hat that I placed on my headboard. I’ve even seen people taking the Trader Joe’s bags and making them into snowflakes to hang from their ceilings. The possibilities of decorating are endless, and you don’t need to spend much to have a cozy atmosphere.

Light the lamps and the candles

Speaking of using what you have, light your lamps. Do away with the big fluorescent lights and light your lamps. Embrace the early dark days. This time of year we’re meant to sleep more. We long for candlelight as it brings warmth to our homes. Again, use what you have to cultivate the atmosphere.

Related Post: Holiday Gift Guide: For the Cozy Minimalist

Put on an ambiance video for the vibes

If you’ve been working for the last few days of December, it can be hard to feel like you can actually enjoy the holiday season. Playing an ambiance video in the background is a great way to change up on the atmosphere!

Holiday themed items

Digging into the storage to see what I can find for this winter has been fun. I have a wonderful Christmas themed bedspread, with fir trees and snowflakes. Additionally, I have not one but two different Christmas pj’s. Plus my brother got me a warm wearable blanket, perfect for the 20 degree weather we’ve been having. It’s the small touches that really pull my home together and keep the fun going.

Warm drink in hand

With the colder weather, it is imperative to have a fun warm drink. A classic is hot chocolate, of course. A peppermint hot chocolate is a fun twist. I’ve even tried an earl grey hot chocolate, which is not my thing but worth trying. Adding a cold foam or whipped cream to any hot drink is a perfect way to keep the whimsy for the holidays.

Related Post: simple rituals and rhythms | quiet winter series

Follow a fun series

Lean into the Christmas season by following a fun series. All Creatures Great and Small and Call the Midwife have gorgeous Christmas episodes. If you love a cozy mystery, the Domestic Diva series and the Knit and Nibble series have holiday themed books. I am currently reading Death of a Christmas Card Crafter.

Ms. Jan Karon released book #15 of the Mitford series, which you know I adore, and it’s called My Beloved, taking place in the Christmas season. And of course, there are the much loved Hallmark Christmas movies. Get into the holiday mood any way you want.

Happy Christmas Eve, dear friends! I hope you spend the holidays with your loved ones, eating good food, and enjoying the reason behind the season 💚❤️

Signing off,

Gigi