My Hibernaculum
appreciating the comforts of home
The gauzy, grey haze created by the light in January is something I really enjoy. It’s matte and quiet, and feels soothing to my senses after the flickering and glittering of December.
This time of year feels like Winter Absolute: a place where there are no fairy lights or festivities to pretty it up and make the month seem more bearable. To me this makes it all the more appealing. There’s something about its brooding and constant presence that helps me feel grounded.
Helpful too is the knowledge that Spring isn’t far off (I wouldn’t want grey forever), although I’m in no rush for it. For the moment I’m happy to be safely ensconced in my winter quarters.
My appreciation of winter has been a slow-burn. I’ve never minded the cold, but I have struggled with the endless dark days between November and February. Given that I live in the UK (and don’t plan to emigrate) the darkness is a predictable, annual occurrence. So I thought I might be happier if I learned to Winter and found ways of making it an experience to savour rather than endure. To that end, I created a Winter Appreciation List.
Warm cinnamon buns
Winter crafts and wreath-making (not just in December)
The smell of woodsmoke in the air
A big pot of tea with a proper cup and saucer
Winter Playlists and songs specific to the season
Sitting by the window when it’s raining, with a blanket wrapped round my shoulders, staring outside and daydreaming or reading a book
My wool duvet with extra blankets piled on top
Soup on the stove and crusty bread with salted butter to have with it
Steamed up café windows with twinkling lights inside
Open fires
Skeletal tree cathedrals in the woods
Bonfires
Chimeneas lit, with mulled wine, hot chocolate, a clear starry sky and being able to see your breath in the air
Candlelight
Over-sized jumpers and wool socks
Long walks in woods when there’s hardly anyone around
Dark fairytales
Empty beaches with frothy waves, and turbulent skies
Long, hot baths with a glass of red wine in hand, low light and the Shipping Forecast on Radio 4 repeats.
Second hand vintage coats that are longer than is fashionable and warmer than the ones made now.
Green garlands and wreaths on doors
Ivy, ivy and more ivy
Winter blooms, Hellebores and Anemones
Water droplets on branches
Big skies with the texture of felt and the colour of iron.
Empty fields
This year— more than most—it has definitely been a challenge to feel any affection for winter. My blankets have never had so much use; but I’m thankful to have them. Having House Cat tendencies definitely seems to help too, when it comes to this time of year. I don’t feel disappointed if I can’t go out due to inclement weather because I’m happy cosying up indoors. I’ve switched the world off so I can side-step the pressure to Do! Go! Optimise! I’ll rest instead.
Adult life won’t let me hibernate, but it won’t stop me from taking these muted, contemplative weeks and tucking myself into them whenever I get the chance.
