I have a complicated relationship with winter. I love hot drinks, cozy scarves and curling up on the couch with a good book (preferably in the presence of twinkle lights, or a Christmas tree). But I struggle with the cold, short, dark days in this climate so far north from where I was raised. (And the blizzards, including the one we had last week.) I struggle to have a mind for winter.
Every year, I have to gird my loins to survive, much less enjoy, this difficult season. Hence, a manifesto – a few things to do, try and delight in while I’m waiting for spring.
- Go to the U.S. Figure Skating Championships – my husband surprised me with tickets to the ladies’ free skate.
- Get a massage, and go to the dentist. Self-care is important.
- Continue with the yoga routine I’ve established (two or three times a week).
- Go see the Celtics play at TD Garden, courtesy of a friend.
- Watch the Olympics – I love the figure skating and the skiing.
- Knit something cozy.
- Tackle another hefty classic. (Recommendations, anyone? Last year’s was Les Mis.)
- Indulge in a bit of color therapy.
- Plan some springtime travel.
How do you survive – and/or enjoy – winter?
cakes, tea and dreams 
I never enjoy winter. It is something to endure while drinking a lot of tea and wearing cozy knits. Preferably while reading a book in front of a fireplace.
Have you read Vanity Fair? I’m still trying to finish Anna Karenina; started it almost a year ago, but there are so many great new books that keep coming out! I think this winter has been particularly challenging so far – even for those of us who love cold temperatures and snow. Stay warm and positive, that’s my motto!
I’m in the same boat after moving up north! Trying to get back to the things that made me love winter as a kid: enjoying the outdoors as much as possible, skating and cross-country skiing, hiking and perhaps snowshoeing (we’ll need some equipment for that – I’m working on Steve). I find that I have a better frame of mind about everything when I get some time outdoors in nature. (Tea and cozy knits and good books help, too.)
As for the challenging classic, you know that I LOVED “Middlemarch” last month! I highly recommend it. It definitely meets your requirement of being a chunkster. 😀
I read Clarissa last semester, and I am officially not recommending it. I’ve heard much better things about Anna Karenina, Vanity Fair, and Middlemarch (though I haven’t read any of them).
I live in Santa Cruz, California so I spend my winter at the beach. It’s typically 65 to 70 degrees. When it is cold I LOOOVVVVEEE going to a bonfire at the beach wrapped in blankets or sitting at home in front of the fireplace with hot cocoa and watch awful reality tv shows.
I agree with mlfhartline on Anna Karenina for your next Classic. Unless you haven’t read any novel by Jane Austin. You need to try one of those too!
Being a native New Yorker, you would think I would be used to the harsh winters here but I’m kind of wimpy when it comes to snow storms and single digit temps. Still, I’m trying to embrace the beauty that comes with this season and your manifesto is perfect. I may have to borrow a few items off your list!
So agree! This weather has been like the arctic tundra lately, and I’m missing my home state of Georgia. My plans are so similar to yours: knitting, quilting, reading, yoga, massage, and Bahamas cruise in February. I would totally recommend Gone With the Wind for your classic. Any other suggestions; I like this idea!