Teach me to love autumn and winter....

[eggcustard1]

I adore spring and summer with the outdoor life, lighter nights and mornings etc. I have always felt gloomy as darker nights descend, everywhere is cold, the bills are so high as we have the heating and lights on etc. I feel like I don't want to go out in the evenings, does everyone else stay in all the time?

This year I want to learn to love Autumn and winter, otherwise I wish away half my year! What do you do with your time? Please
teach me how to enjoy this time of year............

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

Misty Autumn walks where you can see the leaves turn and your breath in the air can be beautiful.

Wrapping up in warm clothes and cosy knits without having to worry about shaving legs or getting all hot and sweaty. It's also easier to look chic - just bung on a great coat and boots.

Roaring fires, movie nights, comfort food, feeding the birds, bonfires, fireworks, chunky scarves, candlelight and snuggling under a blanket. Mmmm :)

What's not to like?

You can keep January and February though unless it's snowing or abroad somewhere warm. They are bastards.

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

Also, Autumn is mostly like Spring weather wise. What would have you stripping off in April will have you looking for your gloves in November... even if it's the same temperature.

[WisestIsShe]

The new Nigel Slater book, Christmas Chronicles is all about things to love in the winter. It goes from the beginning of November to the end of January and he talks so much about things to appreciate at this time of year. Maybe worth a read?

[Caulk]

I spend a lot of time outside and it’s beautiful. Maybe go for some walks or cycles and see the leaves.

I find cooking more fun in the winter too as you can use the slow cooker, as well as mulled wine and more hot drinks.

[PenelopeStoppit]

Holiday in the February half term! I know I am missing the point somewhat but a week of warmth gives me a boost

[DrussIsTheLegend]

How clean the air feels when you breath it in.

The Autumnal colours.

Being able to wear a coat and not have to worry about it getting too warm or raining.

Not having to wear sunscreen (big deal for my kids).

Being able to snuggle into your blankets at night instead of kicking them off.

Being able to snuggle into your OH at night without threatening to make them sleep on the sofa because their breathing makes you too warm I may overreact in the heat

Far less people showing their ugly feet in sandals (hate feet...this one may be unique to me).

Being able to cook real meals in your kitchen without fear of turning it into a sauna and making it unbearable.

Autumn is by far my favourite time of the year.

[eggcustard1]

all good replies so far thanks, I have been going for walks and trying to appreciate the leaves rustling, not worrying too much about dog mess lurking beneath!

A real plus with the not shaving legs thanks.

Do you go out as much at night or just hibernate?

[ZetaPuppis]

Go out during the day as often as you can.
Go for long walks in nature. Take a flask with coffee/tea/hot choc. Arrange to go with someone sometimes.
Make a list of indoor places you would like to visit like galleries and museums.
When you’ve been out in the day, the evenings don’t seem too bad indoors.
Find things you might enjoy doing in the evenings. Get into box sets, listen to audiobooks (free on overdrive if you’re a member of a library)
Have friends and family over or visit them.
Make easy but nutritious meals like soups and stews.
Take vitamin d.

I’m not too keen on the dark and cold months but I try to make the most of it.

[ZetaPuppis]

I do go out at night too but usually to meet friends or if something is going on that kids can join in.
Yesterday I took kids to a firework display and I’m going to the cinema with friends later this week.

[quirkychick]

Go outside as much as possible for the daylight.
I have a lumie light clock, it makes the dark mornings much easier.
Vit D in the darker, colder months.
Warm and weather proof clothing to make being outside more comfortable.
A list of things to do and places to go to look forward to.

[blanklook]

Mornings can be spectral as the mists lift with the first rays of warmth from the sun.

Daytimes bring the knowledge of Mother Nature resplendent in her vibrant colours as she readies for sleep and dreams of the year that's been and the actions in that year that will make a framework to create the next.

Evenings are lovely, we do the snuggly throws, open fire, salt lamps, home baking, stories,

If you live away from light pollution or it's within an easy drive, there's loads going on in the night sky if you're interested. Meteor showers are much more frequent than you'd think. www.skymania.com/wp/thismonth_north/

What's not to love?

[Bubblysqueak]

Love love love autumn and winter. You know the weather is going to be cold and wet so can always dress appropriately and seeing the sun is a bonus!

[ZetaPuppis]

Oh yes! I forgot about watching the sky. It’s amazing to see the planets. We often look at constellations and watch out for the international space station on a clear night.

[Spudlet]

There's something good about every season, imo. I love the sense in autumn of everything having its last hurrah with the leaves and the berries, and the feeling of nature sleeping in winter. I love seeing more in the way of wildlife because we're more likely to be out at dusk - the other day DS and I watched a barn owl hunting, and we often see hares and deer. Love the twinkling lights on the houses and adore the sight of toddlers wrapped up until they're spherical And putting your wellies on and splashing in puddles!

[juddyrockingcloggs]

OP, I have the same issue as you but the opposite way round.

I particularly agree with your point about wishing half the year away. From when the clocks change in March til when they change again in October I am a miserable moaner who wishes it to be dark and cold again. I can see no good in summer whatsoever and get quite narky when people pass comment about the weather being ‘nice’!

For me, autumn and winter are truly beautiful. The colours, the smells, the breathing out condensation when you first step foot out of your warm house in the morning. Wrapping up to go on a long walk in the leaves. I adore finishing work when it is dark outside and coming home to cuddle on the settee with my little boy reading a good book!

The good in the latter months is there all around just waiting for you to see it!

[lovingmatleave]

Well I hate winter to the extreme and suffer very badly with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This year I have started anti-depressants to get me through autumn/winter and they really are helping. All the nice things that are being suggested above now seem like a good idea and doable. Before I just literally wanted to hibernate and rarely went out at night unless necessary. I still have a lightbox I use occasionally - you might find one of them helpful.

[LVB22]

Maybe I’m weird but I love winter so much :)

As amazing as the summer is, as soon as Halloween comes around and the nights start getting colder and darker, I get very excited about it.

It’s the season for hot drinks, hoodies and cosy nights! Yeah de-icing your car on a morning and being cold sucks, but it’s nothing a cup of tea or hot water bottle can’t solve. There’s always lots of things to look forward to - Halloween, bonfire night, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. I love wearing hats and scarves and being able to go on walks/runs without getting as hot and sweaty.

[Allthebestnamesareused]

It's a great time of the year to travel to the Caribbean (not hurricane season) and very cheap to travel to the Far East and Africa then!

[SomewhatIdiosyncratic]

Some of the most beautiful days are around this time of year. Sadly they're not reliable, but that makes them more precious. It's the lull between the last of the autumn colour and the early signs of spring that drag, but I appreciate the way that views open up, and low humidity improves visibility.

[quirkychick]

I feel excited by the nights drawing in, too. I'm sure it comes from being a kid and having a winter birthday . The changing season, especially Halloween/Fireworks just reminds me of that feeling of excitement. I agree with whoever said about enjoying each season, I usually hate summer and being too hot, but this year decided to look for the best things.

I like to make a list of things to do each season, so autumn/winter is lots of walks on crisp days (this morning was gorgeous, cold but really beautiful), lunch in a country pub with a roaring fire, lots of candles and fairy lights in the evenings, lists of good tv, films, books, visit the woods, on a lovely beach, museum exhibitions, concerts, plays etc.

[dottypotter]

There is nothing nice about the winter imo. As for wearing coats you go into a shop and its hot inside and cold outside so you have to walk round holding your coat.

[paxillin]

Beaujolais Nouveau Day is next week .

[eggcustard1]

I know it is a bit late to add this but.... thank you so much for all your replies. I did manage to enjoy the autumn and winter. I took time over my Christmas shopping, got a really cosy coat in the sales, got lovely candles, read some fab books, watched some brilliant box sets and enjoyed some great walks snuggled up in my coat. I noticed that when people were moaning it had been a long winter I genuinely didn't feel that way. I am really enjoying the summer and am hoping that as we speed towards the cooler weather I will not feel so glum after my experience last year.

[puppydogmummy]

Now you have made me feel all wistful about Autumn! Not too good in the heat but enjoying late dog walks in the cool dusk

[SerenDippitty]

I’ve always liked autumn, and always used to love the cosiness of winter but finding it harder to love as I get older. I hate being in work and seeing it get dark outside, I feel trapped. And just after Christmas when all the lights have gone is the pits, but I tell myself the 6 Nations will be along soon.