We’ve crafted laid-back checklists for summer and autumn, but what are your winter aspirations and desires? As someone who often grapples with depression and anxiety, I find it helpful to plan enjoyable activities to uplift my mood during the gloomier months. I’d LOVE to know what works for you, and here are 12 relaxed activities I’m excited about…
1. Snuggle up with a blanket and enjoy a classic comfort show. If you’re drawing a blank, check out both seasons of PEN15, which perfectly captures the experience of being a quirky middle school girl in suburbia. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
2. Read poetry before sleep. Three poets I adore are Ada Limón, Kate Baer, and Mary Oliver. Plus, here’s a humorous poem for married couples by John Kenney:
Winter.
It’s been dark for, like, five hours,
And yet the kids are still up,
And I’m only a little tipsy.
What you call yelling I call making a point.
Sweater and joggers.
3. Welcome cozy-clothing season. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as cuddling on the couch or playing board games with a friend while wearing your coziest outfit. Haven Well Within excels at this. These wide-leg pants are made from 100% organic cotton and ideal for lounging. I’d style them with this warm cardigan and these cashmere socks (adoring the baby blue). They also have a fantastic pajama collection designed for hot sleepers (hello, fellow bed-sweaters!), and how lovely are the hues of their washable silk robes?
4. Indulge in cheesy pasta. Sure, roast chicken has its merits. Yes, everyone enjoys soup. But, in my opinion, pasta embodies winter. A few recipes to get you started: cacio e pepe, penne with ricotta and lemon, and a squash and spinach casserole.
5. Light up that atmosphere. I always envision the twilight rooms from Mad Men. To achieve a similar radiance, I’ve learned from interior design friends the importance of having three light sources in each area, preferably below eye level and with dimmer switches. And if all else fails, just hang up some fairy lights.
6. Attend a play (or concert or ballet). My friends have been raving about the play Liberation — Freddie was in tears! — and I’m taking my mom during the holidays. But it doesn’t always have to be Broadway. Your local Nutcracker, a high school production—live performances are just really enjoyable. By the way, the hilarious Alex Edelman will be hosting solo shows soon in Cleveland, Philly, and NYC, if you want to grab tickets.
7. Spice up evening strolls. My kids ADORE competitions — who can jump the highest? who can shoot a Nerf basketball? — and yesterday, during a walk, Anton challenged me to guess how many pumpkins we’d pass on our way home. “Fifteen?” I guessed. “I’ll bet the over,” he said, and when we counted a total of 21, we both cheered. Now I’m looking forward to more walking wagers: How many dogs will we see? How many Christmas trees will we spot through windows? How many pedestrians will wear baseball caps? The possibilities are endless.
8. Bake a sofa cake. Today, New York restaurateur Claire de Boer shared her famous chocolate cake recipe — and added tips for a smaller “sofa version, for two,” in case you find yourself wanting something sweet one evening. If you prefer to drink your chocolate, consider the hot cocoa recipe that our editor Kelsey loves.
9. Ask a friend for their favorite book, then read it yourself. (Bonus points if you read it in bed.) My own recommendations would be Shuggie Bain and An American Marriage — what are yours?
10. Visit a museum and focus on one piece of art. “When you go to the library,” says psychology professor James O. Pawelski, “you don’t stroll along the shelves looking at the spines of the books and then tweet to your friends on the way out, ‘I read 100 books today!’ Yet that’s essentially how many individuals experience a museum.”
11. Go to a Christmas store. Regardless of your celebrations, a shop filled with colorful decorations and twinkling lights is sure to lift your spirits. In New York, my top pick is John Derian’s holiday store in the East Village. Those pickles! (He has a collection at Target, too.)
12. Enjoy muffins for breakfast. “A muffin is a small cake that it’s socially acceptable to eat in public at dawn,” wrote Bess Kalb in her newsletter issue, Some Mental Health Advice for the Week. After all, dragging yourself out of bed on dark, chilly winter mornings “requires something more enticing than a bowl of cereal,” adds Tim from Lottie + Doof. “These apple cider muffins will do the trick.”
What would you add? Cold swimming? A cookie exchange or soup group? Lounging around without guilt because that’s the essence of winter? Please share below. xoxoxo
P.S. 10 readers showcase their cold-weather outfits, and 14 readers share how to stay positive during winter.
(Photo by Raymond Forbes LLC/Stocksy. This post was sponsored by Haven Well Within. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)
**Crucial Winter Readiness Checklist**
With the cold winds of winter approaching, it’s essential to prepare your home, vehicle, and personal well-being to guarantee safety and comfort throughout the season. Here’s an extensive checklist to help you gear up for winter:
**Home Readiness:**
1. **Insulation and Sealing:**
– Check for drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulk to fill gaps.
– Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to retain warmth.
2. **Heating System:**
– Book a professional inspection and maintenance for your furnace or heating unit.
– Change filters in your heating system to enhance efficiency.
3. **Chimney and Fireplace:**
– Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to avoid fire risks.
– Stock up on firewood and make sure your fireplace is operational.
4. **Roof and Gutters:**
– Inspect and fix any damage to your roof to avert leaks.
– Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent ice build-up.
5. **Windows and Doors:**
– Install storm windows or use plastic window insulation kits.
– Think about using thermal curtains to block out the cold.
6. **Emergency Supplies:**
– Stock essentials like non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
– Ensure you have a supply of necessary medications.
**Vehicle Readiness:**
1. **Tires and Brakes:**
– Inspect tire tread and pressure. Consider switching to winter tires for improved traction.
– Ensure brakes are functioning well.
2. **Battery and Fluids:**
– Test your vehicle battery and replace it if necessary.
– Fill up antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, and oil.
3. **Emergency Kit:**
– Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit containing blankets, a flashlight, a shovel, an ice scraper, and jumper cables.
4. **Fuel:**
– Maintain your gas tank at least half full to avoid fuel line freezing.
**Personal Well-being:**
1. **Clothing:**
– Invest in high-quality winter apparel such as thermal layers, waterproof boots, gloves, hats, and scarves.
– Keep extra clothing in your vehicle for emergencies.
2. **Health:**
– Get a flu vaccination and stay updated on your shots.
– Maintain a healthy diet and keep active to strengthen your immune system.
3. **Safety:**
– Install and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
– Develop a family emergency plan and ensure everyone is aware of it.
By adhering to this vital winter readiness checklist, you can ensure a safe, warm, and cozy winter season for you and your loved ones.
