A Guide to Cozy Winter Days

Photo by me

Winter wasn’t always my favorite season but after the past so many years of unbearable Summer heat, I look forward to it more and more every year. I grew up in northern New York, right next to the Canadian border. So I always knew cold. But after moving to North Carolina as a teenager and living there for over 10 years, that tolerance to the cold I had went away. Until, I moved to Korea almost 2 years ago. The cold is back and I’m embracing it!

I quickly learned to love Winter and actually get so excited when the temperature first drops at the beginning of Autumn because I know Winter is coming. 

Don’t get me wrong, Autumn is and will always be my favorite season. Everything about the cooler, weather, the leaves, oversized sweaters, and of course the desserts. But nothing beats the feeling of a cold Winters day with some hot coffee or hot cocoa, wrapping up in a warm blanket, watching my favorite Christmas films, and when and if it does snow, watching it from my window in bed. Which is exactly what I have been doing for the past 2 months, minus the snow.

I also work at home tutoring English language online to people from all over the world. So I’m lucky enough to get to stay inside, all warm and cozy for most of my day. :)

But getting to the point of this post, I wanted to create a simple guide for everyone and anyone to have the coziest, most comfy, warm, Winter day!

• Starting mornings with a hot drink: Growing up, I always loved when my mom prepared hot chocolate for my brothers and I after playing in the snow or in the mornings on the weekend. Nowadays, coffee is my go-to. But whether it’s coffee, cocoa, or tea, something nice and warm is the perfect way to start your day for comfort and warmth.

• Fuzzy socks and/or slippers: If my feet are cold, I’m cold. So I make sure to always have something warm on my feet. If you have heated floors like here in Korea, then of course you can go barefoot or just put some socks on but I just love the comfort of slippers. I still also forget I have heated floors sometimes, haha.

• Ambience videos: Many people like to wake up in the morning and instantly turn on their favorite music to get them going but for me, I enjoy the sounds of a crackling fireplace, falling snow, or even a howling wind. Nature sounds can be soothing and help calm the mind. Perfect for a snowy day in.

• Eating a warm breakfast: If you eat breakfast, try something warm such as oatmeal, toast, an omelette, porridge, pancakes or waffles, or maybe even a nice soup. Same goes if lunch is your first meal of the day.

• Opening the window for fresh air: Okay, so if it’s cold out, you probably would rather not let it in the house but what I learned from my husband is that having just 30 seconds of fresh air can make your day feel so much better. I also have always loved the smell of the outdoors, especially at the beginning of every season. Each has their own particular smell and Winter smells just make me feel so cozy inside.

• Wearing warm and comfy clothes: Being in the city, we walk a lot as well as take public transportation. So I prefer to wear warm, loose fitting pants or sweatpants, including my favorite fuzzy pants. I also learned to wear leggings or tights under my jeans if I need that extra layering. Same goes with my tops. I tend to layer which is also helpful when you go inside from the cold and start to feel hot. Layers are key! If staying home, I always wear pajamas with a sweater or cardigan and of course, my fuzzy socks.

• Going for a walk: My husband and I have been going on walks after work lately which definitely wake me up. I throw on my fuzzy socks and pants, a cozy sweater, my long puffer coat, hat, mittens, and scarf and I’m ready to go. Just a short walk is good if it’s too cold but it makes us more excited to get back to our warm and cozy apartment.

• Warm, fuzzy blankets: I have too many blankets according to my husband but I couldn’t go without them. The main one I use lately is my purple one that I actually got for free at Flying Tiger, which we named Grimace, haha! It’s so warm and fuzzy and perfect for those extra cold days. Having the weight of extra blankets also helps me sleep better which is a plus.

• Cozy candles and wax melts: My favorite candle scent in the Winter is and always will be sugar cookie! It reminds me of Christmas as a kid and making sugar cookies with my mom. Right now I’m using sugar cookie wax melts! Choosing a calming or familiar scent can help you focus, be more productive, or just help you relax overall. Using candles instead of artificial lighting can also help you feel calm and relaxed.

• Curling up with a good book: Reading is the ultimate cozy activity. Reading just a chapter or two before bed or even right when I wake up in the morning helps me relax, especially when I have a lot on my mind. It’s also perfect for getting a better sleep. If you’re a morning reader, it helps with focus and concentration during the day. Either way, it’s a great way to start or end your day.

• Creating art and crafts: From painting a picture, to crocheting a simple coaster or scarf, art has always kept me calm and concentrated. Having something to focus on can help you forget about the stresses of life as well as boost creativity. It’s also a great way to discover new talents or interests while alone or with friends and family.

• Fairy lights: Just like candles, fairy lights can create a cozy atmosphere with a nice warm glow. They give you soft lighting as well as a cute decoration for your space. Not only are they pretty, but they are safe to use and energy efficient as well. They also just make me feel good overall.

Now go and throw on some comfy pajamas, drink a cup of hot cocoa, and listen to the cozy sounds of a crackling fire. Make this Winter special no matter where you are or who you’re with.