It’s winter – and that’s usually a bad thing. The cold, the wet, the sludge, the wind, the rain, the busy blustery streets of your city; the forced festivities, the endless Christmas songs, the cost of getting everyone a gift, the struggle of thinking up gifts to get everyone; the short days, the long nights, the cost of central heating and the necessity of a SAD lamp. It’s exhausting stuff. Why, then, are we so happy?
To some extent, one must imagine Sisyphus happy when faced with the gargantuan slog that winter usually represents. But I think there’s something more to it than that. Winter is exhausting, but also magical – and we’re rediscovering that magic in some long-awaited and essential ways.
1. The Appeal Of The Cold
No one likes extremes of temperature. Being too much of anything is widely, generally and rightfully regarded as a Bad Thing – which is exactly why lower temperatures get a worse rap than they deserve. The cold can be a great thing, as a fair few of us have been lucky enough to observe through the new phenomenon of the ice bath.
Why can’t a season provide similar benefits? Indeed, winter’s lower temperatures and stark landscapes are powerful in that they can offer you offer a sensory reset, as well as the opportunity to indulge in quieter routines and a break from the constant hustle.
2. Nature, Snow And The Ritual Of Being Outdoors
That cold brings with it some of the most breathtaking landscapes you could ever hope to see. Frost-laden fields and trees, huge snow banks creeping up mountain faces, frozen lakes – even the peculiar sun-bleached air of a misty morning. These are all intoxicating to behold, and inspiration enough for many of us to get out there and experience them fully.
3. Travel, Tradition And The Cold Getaway
And it’s not just here at home that you can experience such wintry ritual delights. As an example, the ski holidays Austria has to offer are a smorgasbord of peerless views, bracing weather and opportunities for connection – particularly apres-ski, when you get to reap the benefits of the cold by getting out of it into a warm, wood-fired chalet with some close friends. Winter holidaymaking is a unique opportunity to embrace everything winter has to offer, and to find yourself in the process.
4. At-Home Rituals For Long Winter Evenings
Of course, you’re not required to travel in order to experience that unique and fun phenomenon of intentional living. You can absolutely bring the winter magic into your everyday life, with simple rituals like the lighting of candles as things get dark, or the swaddling-up in blankets on a quiet and cold evening.
