The Cozy Letter

wintery side quests, crafts, cozy clothes, and how to *enjoy* not just endure winter

Happy December readers!

Kellyn here. I know I say this a lot, but it’s my favorite time of year. For real this time.

This letter is dedicated to all things cozy. A little list of ways to make winter wonderful. I know a lot of people have trouble with the short, dark, cold days, but I promise you they can be so enjoyable.

consider the mood set

When we remember that the natural world around us slows down and enters a restorative state during these months, it’s easier to allow yourself to follow lead. I know from personal experience that resisting this innate call to rest leads to burnout by spring. No matter how many times we have to learn this lesson… nature is always right.

I’m still learning to find the balance between travel and sports and socializing— all things I still want to do in the winter— and also taking this important time to slow down. I think balance is achievable! In between these moments of ‘go’, I give extra energy to stillness and going inward. If in the summer, you burn the candle at both ends, then all the more reason to listen to the seasons and become part of winter’s tranquility.

Our western culture does an exceptional job at doing absolutely nothing to facilitate rest… at any point of the year. Grinding is celebrated, work hours remain the same year round, expectations don’t bloom and slow with the seasons. We’ve even made it possible for any fruit or vegetable to be ripe and readily available at any point in the year. It’s bonkers. So if you find it hard to lean into rhythm of the seasons and even dread winter, remember that the systems we have in place do not make it easy. It’s hard to swim against the current of what is around you. But all the more reason to take it upon yourself to find moments of stillness when you can, and be intentional with your energy as the natural world around us does.

From A Year in Practice by Jacqueline Suskin

Save this letter for when you’re feeling stuck or gloomy in the winter, and need some practical ideas for how to romanticize the season a bit more.

Easy to love winter on a night like this one

So, let’s lean into this hygge cottage Rudy Jude Scandinavian winter coziness together!

To Do

some side quests for your winter character to partake in-

-Cold Plunge

If you are able to, I wholeheartedly recommend cold plunging. Last fall I tried it just for the heck of it and was so surprised by all the noticeable positive changes in my body. I find that when I’m consistent with cold plunging, I am much more able to regulate my temperature in the winter. I normally run really cold, but this past year, after exposing my skin to cold water twice a week, I was able to stay at a comfortable temperature on cold days skiing or even just sitting in my chilly house. There are a lot of other perks like decreased inflammation, simply overcoming the mental block, doing something challenging first thing in the morning, etc. This podcast was really informative to me, and I’m planning on reading Dr. Susanna Søberg’s book Winter Swimming.

Telluride plunge crew

-Use a Thermos

I need to remember every year that thermoses exist and they are little miracles. My favorite move is bringing a thermos of hot broth to anything outdoors. Hot tea and coffee is great, but a salty broth (aka savory tea) is life changing. This one is a nice smaller size with a pouring lid.

-Wrap Presents

If it’s still pre-holidays while you’re reading this, put on an audiobook or movie, light some candles, and wrap presents. Here are some interesting and eco conscious wrapping ideas:

1. Furoshiki— a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth or fabric. Video here

2. Stamp designs on newspaper before wrapping! Like this Snowshoe Hare stamp

3. Natural fiber/plastic free ribbon/bows

4. Attach pictures, candles, cinnamon, or dried oranges and persimmons

   

-Update Your Bedding (if needed)

I have this down alternative comforter and these striped sheets both from Quince, and love them (and pretty affordable). I also have this adorable Piglet in Bed Blanket.

-Send Postcards

The only thing better than receiving a postcard is sending one. My friend Laura sends a fun vintage ski postcard at the start of every winter season- it’s the best tradition.

happy fridge

-Take a Weekly Class

If you are lucky enough to have access to a sewing or pottery class, a chess group or even a trivia night where you live, having a weekly time to leave your house (even if it’s dark out) does wonders for morale.

-Cozy Up with a Hot Water Bottle

When I was studying abroad in Chile, I would have perished if my host mother didn’t give me a hot water bottle to sleep with in the winter. I had never even heard of one before and now I use mine daily in the winter. And when we were living in the school bus, (do you guys know about that era??) I would stick one under the covers about half an hour before bed to warm up the sheets and wow, is that heaven. Cold room, warm bed >

Whether you get a cheap one off of Amazon, or a fancy Maison Flaneur one, (or better yet, knit your own cover!) it really just makes winter better.

To Make

-Baked Goods

Cardamom Buns- My friend Keile and I both fell in love with cardamom buns in Norway, and while I’m still left dreaming about them, she has darn near perfected them back here in Colorado. She works off of This Recipe and here’s how they’ve turned out-

Thanks for sharing the love, Keile!

-Mulled Wine

My favorite festive drink. I pretty much just wing the recipe, but I’d say the closest one is here or here- I just skip the honey/sugar. Perfect to bring on a blue hour walk!

-Homemade Pasta/Soups/Roasts

When the sun sets at what feels like 2:30pm, think of all the time you have to make some comfort food that can sit and simmer away and makes for great leftovers.

I like these soups -Italian Wedding Soup With Turkey Meatballs & Chicken Noodle Soup, but lets start a chat with wintery recipes so we can all have more!

-A Knit Hat

While some might say a scarf is the easiest thing to knit, it takes a long time if you’re just starting out. I recommend a simple hat- This free beanie pattern (bless you, Crafty Patti) is so simple and easy to follow and free! A great place to learn a great winter hobby. For slightly more intermediate knitters, I love the Sophie Scarf from Petite Knit.

add knitting in a pub and knitting outdoors to the cozy list

If you’re an advanced knitter, someone needs to make these Halibut Mittens!

-Snowflakes

I love making paper snowflakes and always leave them up after Christmas. They’re so fun dancing around in a drafty house and make a great dinner party activity. I was taught this method essentially- (up to step 5, just freestyle after that)

To Read & Watch