To ask what "little things" help get you through the less exciting winter months?

[Ilovepearjuice]

In particular, January and February?

I'm definitely a person affected by the long, dark, cold evenings. Once the festivities and twinkly lights of Christmas and New Year is over, I always go through a very glum period and Jan/Feb seem to drag on forever.

Please may I ask what little things you do to get you through those winter blues? What brings you joy? Trips away, purchases, activities... Anything!

I want to make a list in advance and plan ahead, so that I know I always have something to make me feel good and hopefully others too!

Book a beach holiday for February half term.

Watching with interest, I really struggle with that time of year - all the fun stuff is over and the nice weather and light months seem ages away.

It's the cheapest time of year for theatre tickets so I save up all the shows I want to see for Jan/Feb and go then.

I love winter up to Christmas, but strongly believe Spring should start on January 1st.

Also of there is an evening/weekend class or new hobby you've been thinking of it's the ideal time (unless that hobby involves being outside).

@PumpkinSpiceGirl

Watching with interest, I really struggle with that time of year - all the fun stuff is over and the nice weather and light months seem ages away.

This is exactly how I feel. And they're the coldest months too!

Excellent idea re theatre tickets!

Googling places that will be warm to travel to in Feb!

I keep the twinkly lights up for Jan and Feb. I take down all of the decorations but leave the lights in the living room. Snuggling on the sofa with the twinkling lights and a few candles is lovely.

GoodnightGrandma where to? Where is sunny early February? This sounds like a great idea.

I try to get out for a walk every day and plant some bulbs around now to come in February. I find it easier when I know the evenings are getting lighter after December 21st.

Winter sun holiday in January

Oh lots of things:
Opera
The Hellebores, winter pansies, cyclamen and peeping bulbs
Watching the days slowly but surely get longer
Stews, braises and casseroles on Saturdays
Roaring fires
DH and DS ski in mid Feb and dd and I try to have a week of winter sun.

@RosesAndHellebores

Oh lots of things: Opera The Hellebores, winter pansies, cyclamen and peeping bulbs Watching the days slowly but surely get longer Stews, braises and casseroles on Saturdays Roaring fires DH and DS ski in mid Feb and dd and I try to have a week of winter sun.

@rosesandhellebores thank you so much for this. Warmed my cockles. ❤️

@TheHuntingoftheSnark

I try to get out for a walk every day and plant some bulbs around now to come in February. I find it easier when I know the evenings are getting lighter after December 21st.

Same!

We always do centre parcs in Feb half term.

January is a Hygge season for me. I put the Christmas stuff away, but keep the Fairy lights out, keep candles everywhere, lots of blankets and furry (faux, of course) cushions, knitwear fest, coffee on tap, cinnamon rolls stash in the freezer (tastes yummy and makes the house smell like heaven while it bakes), lots of bath bombs and just appreciating coziness. I let it roll until valentines, when you can already see the days getting a wee bit longer. It's my pampernation (pamper+hybernation) time.

@Campervan69 we’ve been to Cyprus in February. It was about 18 degrees. Lovely but a bit harsh to come home to the cold though!

We've just come back from Majorca for October half term and it's taken me until now to get over it.... spent all Saturday in bed as it rained non stop.

Exercise ! I might be in the minority

I try to do RED January every year, even if it’s exercise every day rather than run. One year I did run every day in January, it was hellish at times - dark, rain, sleet and snow but I felt truly motivated and such a sense of achievement at the end - it was brilliant. And by that time it was February so a step closer to spring

Dh and my bday are in Jan and Feb, wedding anniversary is March. We always have something nice to look forward to for each occasion. However, if we didn't, I still think think every month has its positives... New year, crisp weather, lighter nights, daffodils around the corner, cheaper etc

@Lagomtransplant

January is a Hygge season for me. I put the Christmas stuff away, but keep the Fairy lights out, keep candles everywhere, lots of blankets and furry (faux, of course) cushions, knitwear fest, coffee on tap, cinnamon rolls stash in the freezer (tastes yummy and makes the house smell like heaven while it bakes), lots of bath bombs and just appreciating coziness. I let it roll until valentines, when you can already see the days getting a wee bit longer. It's my pampernation (pamper+hybernation) time.

I absolutely LOVE this. January is now going to be renamed "Hygge Season" for me too!

I buy quite a lot of fresh flowers.

And pampernation! What a word.

November is the grimmest month for me. Darker and darker, shite weather.

Definitely getting out in the daylight when you can helps a lot. A gentle walk is great for your mental wellbeing, doesn't have to be severe exercise.

January is a much more positive month though, gets lighter every day and spring is on the way!

I've a weekend away planned with my friends in January. Can't wait.

@Campervan69

We've just come back from Majorca for October half term and it's taken me until now to get over it.... spent all Saturday in bed as it rained non stop.

Can I ask how warm it was please? I'm looking at Majorca for next October