Top 10 cozy ideas for this winter
Best of my Things That Made Life Special recommendations
Hello and welcome to Things That Made Life Special This Week, a celebration of the pursuits that add a little something extra to the everyday.
Happy New Year! The winter solstice has passed and technically it’s getting lighter again (yay!) but January often feels like the longest, coldest, darkest month of the year. So what does that mean? It’s time to nestle in for some cozy comfort at home.
I wish you all the wintry, comfy vibes that January is good for, rather than fighting it and trying to hustle and achieve this month. I wish you all-day pajamas, rom coms, hot cocoa with homemade whipped cream, really thick socks, and all the things that wrap you in comfort and joy as we welcome in a new year gently.
To that end, here are some ideas for adding some coziness to any day either on your own or with friends: now, and throughout the winter months.
10 ways to get cozy this winter, solo and with friends
Lighting candles every morning and night
To get through the darkest days of the year, I always have candles burning. I like the unscented, natural beeswax ones from Wax Atelier (though I also buy these more affordable ones from Amazon so I don’t feel guilty burning through tons of them).
Stocking up on a few new puzzles
I love doing a puzzle in the winter. To my husband’s chagrin, our coffee table is usually covered with puzzle pieces for at least a month, if not more. I’m a 1,000 piece girlie, and I would love to add this one, this one, and this one to my collection.
A game night
Charades, Catan, Heads Up, spades, poker, Trivial Pursuit. Or if you’re us, Outrage! Put out some charcuterie, open some wine, invite some friends over, and break people out of the normal conversational mode. Games bring out a different side of people! Plus, if you’re trying to establish friendships, a recurring game night is a great way to ensure you see people on a regular basis. Also obviously so fun with family… though maybe you’re playing Go Fish instead of Texas Hold ‘Em if you have little ones. :)
A cookie swap
My friend did this last February for Valentine’s Day and it was so much fun. The concept is simple: everyone brings a batch of their favorite cookies and everyone goes home with a mixed batch of all the cookies. But you don’t have to wait: do it in January! Serve some light, savory snacks like a crudité platter and some protein to offset all the sugar and butter, and have plenty of cold water on hand to offset the sugar rush! I always keep bakery boxes in various sizes, parchment paper for lining them, and ribbon so I can send people home with treats wrapped up like a little present.
Making a stovetop simmer
This is the most incredible smokeless way to scent your house, and you probably have everything you need already in your pantry. Fill a saucepan with water and add any combination of: rosemary sprigs, apple slices, citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, juniper berries, star anise, cloves, etc. Get creative! Set to a simmer and add water whenever it’s getting low. Let it go all day! (It’s only pretty at the beginning, but continues to smell great even as the ingredients break down.)
Winter is such a nice time to go inward and reflect. Buy yourself a new notebook and pen for the new year, slip on some warm socks (wool or cashmere!), and start writing. I suggest starting with some kind of guided practice to think back on the last year, then look forward to what you want to invite in. Rachel Brathen always hosts one on her podcast, From The Heart, the last Friday of the year, and I always set aside a couple of hours in the weeks following to go through the exercise.
I used to be such a needlepointer, but I finished a project and fell out of the habit! This winter, I’m getting back into it. Whatever level you are, including total beginner, have a browse at Lycette Designs. She has something for everyone. I love the idea of doing stockings for my family! Might have to get started now so I have a chance of getting one done by next Christmas.
P.S. The shop owner writes a great Substack at
.There’s nothing like a cold, dreary day for a real *project* bake. Not whipping up a batch of brownies (though that sounds really good, too) but like, a three-layer cake or a soufflé or decorated sugar cookies. Put on a Hallmark movie marathon in the background and spend a few warm and homey hours in the kitchen.
Buying some beautiful fresh pajamas
What’s better than brand new pajamas, fresh out of their first wash? I love this bamboo set and this Tencel set, or what about this washable silk set in a range of beautiful colors? Perfect for lounging around in comfy clothes all day, while still feeling pretty. Also perfect for gifting!
Painting or drawing
Get some watercolors, colored pencils, pastels, or other medium that’s easy to work with if you’re a beginner (like me). Set aside any expectation that what you produce will be “good.” Just lay out some paper and play! Experiment with line and color. Draw inspiration from your home or a scene outside your window. Have fun with it!
What are your favorite ways to keep cozy in the winter? Drop them in the comments!
Have a great weekend!
xx Jane
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