Now before you jump down my throat, hear me out. While there are a million reasons to love summer (margs on the beach anyone?), there is also a lot going on which can be stressful. If you’re like me and live in the Midwest, or somewhere that has a change of seasons, you try to pack as much fun in during those precious warmer months as you can. The problem is–when do you relax? Winter may be cold but as long as you know how to layer and don’t mind a little snow it can actually be one of the best times of the year. Continue reading if you’d like to know why.
First, I am a lover of the holiday season. Although the season does start in the fall the cooler weather usually sets in by Thanksgiving and carries throughout Christmas and New years which is the start of winter. Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year and it’s just not complete without lower temps and, of course, snow. That being said there really aren’t any summer holidays that have as much meaning and I see most of them as just an excuse to host a backyard BBQ. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good fourth of July BBQ and fireworks, but it just doesn’t give me the feels like Christmas time does.
Moving on to the coldest and snowiest of the winter months –I’m looking at you February– between January and March we really get some time to relax and take care of ourselves instead of focusing on everything else. January has always been one of my favorite months with New Years feeling like a fresh start and the motivation to try new things and improve things you want to work on in your life. February is a short month and right smack dab in the middle you get Valentines day, or “Galentines” Day if you spend it with your friends. This is a good time to just spread love and hang out with your people that usually doesn’t involve being in a wedding or trying to coordinate with people’s busy summer schedules. Then you have March which is probably the most bi-polar of the months weather-wise. During this month you can start your spring cleaning and start planning your vacations for the year as well as summer concerts etc. If you aren’t an early bird you can also start thinking about what to do with that tax refund.

In the winter I become way more focused on my goals –personal and professional. I spend more time doing things for myself and having relaxing nights in. I usually try to fit in a getaway to get out of the cold for a minute (this year it’s Disney for a long weekend in February.) I go to trivia nights with my friends, cozy up to my boyfriend on cold nights catching up on our Netflix shows and really work on building those relationships and keeping those connections strong. I get reorganized at work and have time to set my career goals as well as how I want to achieve them. I read books I’ve had on the shelf for months but have been to busy to pick up. There’s just so much benefit I get out of the winter months that just impossible to recreate when spring and summer roll around.
Overall, I have a lot of love for summer but winter just warms my soul. While I love all the weddings, outside adventures, travel plans and not freezing my butt off everyday, I really can’t put a price on all of the things I accomplish in the winter that calms me and makes me feel good all around. Plus my love for snow really helps. For you avid summer lovers –I get it, but don’t count winter out! Next time you feel the ache for warmer days cuddle up in your favorite spot, grab a good book and some hot cocoa (spiked with baileys if you’re like me ) and enjoy a little peace before the crazyness.