14 Simple Ways to Find Joy in Winter

Winter is upon us here in the Northeast and while this thought might leave you wanting to curl up on the couch and binge watch Netflix until spring, I invite you to consider a different approach.  Each season offers something to embrace and enjoy. 

Here are 14 simple ways to find joy in winter.

1. Notice the birds – Stare out the window and notice the birds.  Their colors and tracks are sure to stand out against the white backdrop of snow so simply pay attention.  Be patient and enjoy the peace you create by simply sitting and noticing the world around you.
2. Do a puzzle – Find an old one, order one online, borrow from a friend or check one out at the library.  Turn on your favorite music, invite a friend to help and enjoy the process of putting the pieces together to discover the picture.
3. Look at pictures of yourself as a child in winter – Take a trip down memory lane and look at old pictures of you as enjoying winter as a child.  Sink back into the joy of those days when the cold didn’t seem so cold and your energy didn’t seem to end.  Share these pictures with your family and share the details that aren’t captured in the photos.
4. Study other cultures that embrace winter – I suggest starting with the Danish concept of hygge.  It’s their secret to happiness and it’s something you can create in your own home and life.   
5. Watch home videos – Once you’ve had your laughs over your childhood snow pictures, pull out your home videos and continue reliving the memories.  Whether they’re from your childhood or more recent, you’re sure to find something fun.
6. Go snowshoeing – One difference I noticed when I moved from Illinois to Maine was that for the most part, Mainers like to make the best of the winter season.  They embrace what winter brings by getting outside. Many love skiing, but for non-risk takers like me, snowshoeing is a more inviting option.  The kids even learn how to do it in PE class in elementary school! Don’t let the kids have all the fun-get out there and enjoy it with them.
7. Volunteer at the local animal shelter and watch the puppies play in the snow - One of the reasons I got a puppy this year was to experience the world through the curious perspective of a puppy.  Watching her in the snow for the first time was a highlight that brought joy to my entire family and I can’t wait to see her play in it more.
8. Plan a warm summer vacation – If you can’t get out of the cold, then spend time planning your warm summer vacation.  Planning a vacation can be just as exciting as actually going on the vacation so soak in the sun from your warm chair by the fireplace while you watch the snow fall.
9. Clean out a closet – Choose a small one and go for it.  Take everything out, sort like with like and decide what stays and what goes. Be honest about whether you’re really using the items and consider how your unused items can benefit others. Organize your pared down items back into the closet keeping the things you use most in front so they’re easily accessible.  Donate what you no longer want to a local organization and find joy knowing you’re giving to others (an added joy for this one).
10. Study your ancestry online – Are you curious about where your family came from?  Spend the winter days inside researching your family history and see what you discover.
11. Study your town’s history at your local museum or library – Have you always wondered what the statue at the corner in town was for?  Have you visited the exhibits that explain who settled your town?  You don’t have to be a tourist or part of a class field trip to learn this info-choose todo it on your own.
12. View a webcam from your favorite summer town – Many towns and businesses have webcams that you can access online to watch the ocean, view the park or watch the downtown activities.  Get online and see what’s happening in your favorite town in the off-season.
13. Volunteer with kids or seniors – If you’re tired of others complaining about the weather, cold and darkness, change up your environment and engage with kids and seniors who are likely to have a different perspective.
14. Sit in silence – The stillness of winter can be peaceful, but you have to slow down enough to notice it.  Can you hear the snow falling?  Do you notice the birds chirping?  Are there snowblowers in the distance?  Close your eyes and let your other senses take over for a change of pace.  Silence is good for you.

If you’re fortunate to live in an area where were you get to experience all four seasons, remember that the winter months are temporary.  Before you know it, they’ll be over so choose to embrace the simple joys they offer while you can.

To Simplicity & Joy,

Lisa