Warming up to Winter

“Those who appreciate winter generally orient toward the season's wonders: coziness and gathering around a fire, crisp air and starry skies, slowed-down rituals and chance for rest. For people with this mindset, winter is not a limiting time of year to dread but a time full of opportunity to anticipate. In Norway, I learned that we are not condemned to waste the winter months, throwing away the season, wishing for spring. We can change our mindsets and, as a result, change our experience of winter--and of our lives.”
― Kari Leibowitz, How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days

Our first snow this week was a generous six inches, blanketing our lawns, cars, and tree branches. Even now, as I sit curled up on the couch and look out my window at the sunrise, I am captivated by signs of winter felt both in my bones and in my home. Currently, the shorter days, wool sweaters, and my frosty breath are a novelty I’m still reveling in. However, by mid-January, after the Christmas decorations have been stored away and scraping ice off my windshield has become tiresome, I will need all the tools and tips for wintering meaningfully and purposefully lest I grumble my way through February and March. Resisting reality is far more draining than leaning into it, so I’m starting now to prepare my mind and heart for a changing season. 

Fr. Alexander Schmemann wrote that, “the Christian is the one who wherever he or she looks, everywhere sees Christ and rejoices in Him.” This lens of faith elevates the ordinary to the holy, and reframes trials and frustrations as spiritual opportunities for salvation. It’s a deeply transformative endeavor to seek Christ in every circumstance, interaction, and in the miraculous rhythms of nature. I recently asked our Filled With Less members to share what spiritual insights they have gleaned from Winter, and their responses were poignant and thoughtful. We discussed Winter as a season of release and letting go, making room for the promised new growth of spring. We reflected on lessons learned from animals in hibernation and yielding to God-given periods of rest and restoration.  One member mentioned that winter was once a time for mending after the farming season had ended. Release. Rest. Mend. Good instructive words to ponder in our hearts in the months ahead.

In her book, “How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark or Difficult Days,” health psychologist Kari Leibowitz offers practical strategies for finding joy and cultivating a winter mindset, drawing from her experiences living in and traveling to some of the coldest and darkest places on Earth. She reminds us that language matters, as how we talk about winter influences our attitude toward it. She encourages “awe walks” and getting out in nature daily, no matter the weather. It's inspiring to hear about other cultures embracing winter rituals, prioritizing connection, and nurturing coziness.  Immersing myself in uplifting content and conversations around winter has already been so beneficial.  

“Rather than waiting for the season to sneak up on us, proactively preparing for winter can help us align with the changing seasons while ensuring that the items we need to be comfortable--blankets and coats and winter sweater--are accessible. As we use our feet, hands, and actions to prepare our nests for winter, our minds are given time to wander toward the season, readying us for its arrival.”
― Kari Leibowitz, How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days

It's time to gather our supplies (candles, warmy socks, fluffy blankets, hiking boots, bubble bath…), check out soup cookbooks from the library, schedule game nights, spruce up our reading nooks, and practice opening our arms and hearts to whatever winter has to teach us. What is a calming ritual you could add, like lighting candles at sunset, Saturday morning nature hikes, or a puzzle, bath, and book before bed? What boundaries do you need to set, like curbing complaining, avoiding work emails on days off, limiting alcohol consumption, staying present, or reducing the noise in your home and mind? 

Taking time to visualize a more positive response to this season is a helpful exercise in living by design rather than by default. Our attitude is a choice we can influence through attentiveness, vigilance, prayer, and gratitude.