How do you get through the -ary months?

[Lelophants]

I know we’re all into the hype of Christmas right now but once that’s done it can feel exhausting and soooo gloomy. What do you do to get through those months? Starting a new gym membership doesnt do it for me lol. I have a friend’s birthday end of Jan so try to arrange something fun with her but apart from that?

I don't mind it. I sometimes make a plan to redecorate a room or do something else to the house. I actually enjoy sitting around watching something or reading and not feeling like I should be doing something more exciting! It's also my birthday within that time, so will have a meal out and have a trip planned to the theatre.

I think I am the only one not counting down the days until spring. I mean spring is ok, but it just means summer is around the corner and I hate the heat and most of all I find it so much harder to sleep when it is light outside, so dread long days.
So I enjoy January and February for themselves and part of me wishes them to last all year so no more summer or Christmas ever, but I know others would be sad.

Booking holidays, remembering the days start getting lighter quickly from mid February!

If November and December are basically the run up to Christmas, January and February are the same length of time, then Spring starts on 1st March!
So it actually passes very quickly and the mornings get a little bit lighter every day, there’s snowdrops then crocuses then daffodils then bluebells.
And preparing for Easter is so much easier and cheaper than preparing for Christmas!

I’m going on a 10 week pottery course starting in January and I'm starting a new quilt. Plus I go to the gym everyday.

Love January and February. Change your mindset. It’s a new year. Lots to look forward to as the nights start getting lighter and snowdrops start appearing. Hate December but I’m a teacher and it’s manic.

In autumn I keep track of what films are tipped to be nominated for Oscars and then try to see as many of them as possible. January and February are by far the best months to go the cinema. I can't wait to see Hamnet in January.
January and February are also the best months to look around second-hand shops, particularly if you read. Some people donate brand new books after Christmas.

@BrandyandGinger I've booked preview tickets for Hamnet on boxing day and looking forward to it. I'm going to try and read the book between now and then.

Embrace the shorter days with cosy evenings in and daytime walks. Make sure you have enough Christmas goodies to last you until Easter.

I must admit - despite being a summer baby - I really don't like evenings where it's light until 10 or very hot weather. Of course I'm not especially keen on wet weather either but you can get that any time of year.

If you look outside even now, you can see tiny signs of spring being around the corner. My cherry tree is covered in tiny rolled up buds ready to burst into flower around mid-March, the camellia buds are swelling and showing a hint of colour and there are even little tiny shoots on my climbing rose (which really should not be there yet!). The robins have started to sing their spring song very quietly, and soon the blackbirds will start tuning up their pure and wonderful voices. Shortest day on Sunday, everyone!!