Winter Season

  I used to not like winter. It’s cold and dark, days are short, and nights are long. I love the outdoors, exploring and going on adventures, but in the winter it’s not as easy to do and after a serious injury skiing, I no longer participate in winter sports. Often times I’d find myself withdrawing, spending long hours sleeping, and losing motivation to do much of anything. (A lot like Fox in the second A Home Called Haven book.) Then I came across the Danish concept of hygge. Pronounced “hoo-gah.”

           If you haven’t heard of the term already, it means a feeling of coziness and comfort in the simple things. There is no exact English definition but that’s the basic translation. 

           After learning this term I began thinking about the things that brought me comfort in the cold, dark winter months: warm blankets, snuggling up with the kids to watch a movie, hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows and extra chocolate, freshly baked cookies hot from the oven. My children came up with more activities, like building blanket and pillow forts, playing board games, and having Mario Kart competitions on the Wii. My partner and I enjoy doing puzzles together while listening to music, painting, or coloring in grown-up coloring books. And nothing beats snuggling up under a cozy blanket and reading a good book. (Speaking of books, if you or your child need a good book to read with a beautiful wintery setting, check out A Home Called Haven Book 2: The Upper World. )

           Winter can still feel long and monotonous at times but I no longer dread it like I once did. Occasionally my motivation still lags but I’ve learned to listen to my body. Afterall, winter is the season for resting and going within, so when spring comes around we are ready to bloom again. 

           I have been working on some things when the mood hits me. Right before the holidays, Alessandra and I signed with Cushing Publishing for our next children’s picture book, “Friendly Fright.” Check out this adorable character!

  I also recently finished the first draft of the third book in A Home Called Haven series. An exciting contest to name a character in the book will be coming soon so stay tuned!

            Lately I’ve been doing a lot of introspection. I’ve had several new project ideas pop up and not sure where to focus my energy. So, I’m trying to listen closely to my heart and see what really calls to me. In the meantime, I’m taking comfort in the little things, keeping cozy and warm, and going with the flow of the season.

            I’d love to hear what hygge means to you and what activities you enjoy doing with your loved ones this time of year. Stay cozy and embrace the season!