With mid-winter come and gone and we’re in full swing of the season, I’ve been thinking lately that maybe I could appreciate it a little more.
Too often I’ve heard myself complain about the grey, the cold, the dark, the damp, down here in the southern state of Victoria.
And even though it is hard to adjust and it sometimes incites dread. Especially after living most of my life in balmy northern New South Wales, where winter is magical, filled with blue skies and sunshine. I’m slowly, very slowly getting used to this whole thing.
So this post is all about embracing winter in all its glory and greyness. The things that are in fact amazing about winter and all the nice cozy things you can do.
The quieting down of the body and nature, the slowing of things.
Here’s a list of sorts of wintery goodness that bring joy amidst the grey;
//Coziness by the fire; the wood stove keeps you company with its glowing embers, the crackling of the wood and creaking of the metal as it heats up. Having a fireplace is a bit of a luxury, but it is essential in this state. And when you do need to venture outside, peeling yourself away from the fire’s embrace, the cold air is like a crisp hello that invigorates your soul.
//Drinking more cups of tea and hot drinks throughout the day than any other season; the steam rising from the cup, as you take your first sip of a morning, feeling the liquid warmth spread throughout your body as you wake to the day. Also drinking warm water is a nice way to stay hydrated and offset all that tea!
//The sound of rain, and sleet, on the tin roof when you are cozy inside by the fire; watching the little ice pellets land on the veranda, knowing that it’s snowing up on the mountain. Or in the mountains not far from you. It feels exciting and very different and brings a sense of wonder!
//The steam on your breath in the morning, and even at midday on a maximum 6 degree celsius day. My child, blowing out her breath to see the steam rise, the little wonders they find amusing helps you remain present too.
//Winter food; soups of all kinds that nourish and warm you from head to toe. A hearty stew. Hello Lasagne. Desserts like apple crumble, something warm and filled with wintery spice.
//How the mist looks in the valley and through the tree ferns and towering mountain ash, eerie but magical too. Meandering river walks in the rain and drizzle; muddy bush walks where the trails are less busy and the quiet call of birds and trickling water fill the landscape.
//Snow days; adventuring up the mountain to play in the snow; Mt Donna Buang, is the closest snow to Melbourne and it’s right on our doorstep. It takes about a 20 minute drive from our place (an hour and a half from Melbourne) and it’s even better if you can go on a day without the crowds. Lyrebirds come out in the snow and you can spot them along the side of the snowy road as you wind your way up to the top. Tree ferns covered in a heavy blanket, fronds drooping to the ground. The Australian bush looks so beautiful covered in snow, mystical and enchanting.
//Woollen socks and ugg boots; 100% woollen everything, is a must in this state. Merino wool thermals; flannelette pajamas and sheets; extra wool blankets on the bed to keep you snug.
//Citrus of all kinds; navel oranges, mandarins, blood oranges and lemons; are in season in the cool months and fill you up with vitamin C and antioxidants. The lemon tree in our backyard is full of ripening lemons, the yellow of their skins popping out of the deep green foliage like little suns. Winter is abundant with bright orange fruits and vegetables to keep us healthy; the perfect time for pumpkin soup. See this lemon loaf.
//Noticing the bare limbs of the trees, the funny shapes they make, some look like wise old creatures from another realm.
//Going inward, listening more, slowing of the busyness. Finding space and ease within.
//Hot baths with lavender oil and epsom salts; beeswax candles.
//Doing more crafty, slow things to bring mindfulness in the day; knitting and sewing and art and even colouring in.
//Exploring outside even on rainy days, getting all the layers on to brave it, oftentimes surprising yourself about how nice it is to walk in the cold and rain; immersion in nature brings a sense of ease, relaxation and clarity of mind.
I hope that if you struggle with winter as much as I do, that these words might give you some inspiration to make it through, to find some light in the dark and to enjoy this time. ‘Because regardless of the season, this is the best season of our lives‘ (adapted from a zen quote).
And maybe if you want to make your own list of things that you love in winter that bring gratitude and joy, to give you a little reminder that maybe it’s not so bad after all.
And here’s the recipe for a spiced hot cacao to cozy up with;
Enjoy!
Alli x
Spiced Hot Cacao
Ingredients
- 2 heaped tsps Raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
- 1 heaped tsp Sweetener of choice, coconut or brown sugar
- ½ tsp Cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp Ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Ginger powder
- pinch Chilli flakes or cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 cups Plant milk of choice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan; add in the cacao powder, spices and sweetener of choice. Add in 1/2 cup of hot water, whisk together until no lumps.
- With the saucepan over medium heat, add in 2 cups of milk of choice into the cacao and spice mix, whisk together. Keep whisking occasionally as it heats up. Bring to a low simmer but do not let it boil.
- Remove from the heat and pour into 2 mugs, sprinkle with a little cinnamon or cocoa powder. Enjoy!
