The Art of Wintering

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus

The holiday season is in full swing, from twinkly lights to decorated trees to eggnog latte's, it's all happening. The shortest & darkest day of the year will be soon upon us; but, the best news about that is, the days will only get longer from then until June so thank goodness for that, right?!

So, if you find this time of year dark & dismal - or just all around stressful because of the holidays and all that goes along with that - I would like to invite you to embrace the art of wintering.

This is a practice that people from all over the world participate in, especially those to the north with long, cold winters like us. The most common one you may be familiar with is Hyyge from Denmark (though you can Hygge any time of the year but more on that another time). In Sweden it's called Mys. Norway it's Koselig. Finland has Kalsarikännit which translates to '"pantsdrunk" and refers to drinking alone at home in your underwear. I mean sometimes that truly is the solution to winter, amiright?! But the Fins also have Sisu which it's a little more "grit" than "cozy" but probably equally important to get us through these long winter months ahead. And, there are many others from Germany to Japan.

So as the year winds down and the days grow shorter, let's give ourselves a gentle reminder that this is a season of rest and renewal. The act of wintering invites us to slow down, reflect, and embrace the natural rhythm of life. Just as the earth turns inward, conserving energy beneath the frost, we too can use this time to nurture our inner selves. Wintering isn’t about productivity or striving—it’s about leaning into stillness, finding comfort in quiet moments, and giving ourselves permission to pause.

So, if you don't have an actual fireplace, put that yule log on the youtube and get cozy.

Grab yourself some hot cocoa or glüwhein or the hot beverage of your choice. Put on a oversized sweater and sweatpants. Or, stay in your undies if you wanna do it finnish-style. Pull on your slippers. Cover up with a fuzzy blanket. Then, just rest, relax and give yourself permission to pause and do absolutely nothing.

Wishing you & yours a very happy holiday season!