What's All the Fuss About? #11
Your weekly remedy for the Sunday Scaries
Happy Sunday, campers! We are back from a much needed week off to recover from the predictable Thanksgiving hangover (and an unpredictable pneumonia diagnosis for my oldest son!). So while I feel ready to hibernate, I am also keenly aware that the countdown to Christmas is upon us. The lights are up (here’s a link to view last year’s show) and the decorating is done; now it’s time to slow down and find pockets of wonder amidst the rush of the season.
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Here are a few things I am fussing over this week:
Window Weather
Last year, I learned the Icelandic word gluggaveður, a term used to describe weather that is best enjoyed while you are safely inside (think of am impending storm or frigid cold). In America, we might just call it bad weather, but in Iceland, they do not consider it bad, maybe just a little fussy.
The past few years I have found myself really leaning into (and even embracing) Michigan’s chilly winters. Instead of the usual gloominess that once dominated my mood as soon as temperatures dip, this time of year has now become a respite; a time to slow down, reflect, and even heal. There has been a lot of intention behind this shift, and thanks to my husband, I am now skiing and snowshoeing my way through the season (as well as snuggling on the couch with chai), finding joy in a time I use to dread.
If you find yourself struggling with these shorter, colder days, check out this TIME article, 9 Ways to Embrace Winter - Even if You Think You Hate It for some tips on reframing winter (or grab a copy of How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz (Bookshop, Amazon)). You may be surprised to learn winter may be the season we all need most of all.
Have Yourself a Calm Christmas
If you take away one thing from the newsletter this week, do yourself a favor and subscribe to Beth Kempton’s Calm Christmas Podcast and get yourself a copy of her book, Calm Christmas (Bookshop, Amazon). I am new to Beth Kempton’s work, and have been devouring her writing and podcasts on how to slow down and celebrate the season. My favorite thing to do right now is draw a bath, light a candle, and tune in as Beth’s soothing voice transports me to a place of Christmas wonder.
Crafting with Friends
Last week, my friend Melissa and I spent part of our Sunday crafting paper snowflakes, a first for me as I don’t necessarily ascribe myself as a “crafty” person. However, as we folded and cut and created (I am still in awe that I made something!), I finally got it. The companionship, being able to share what I made, it was addicting.
It reminded me of a this segment from CBS Sunday Morning (well worth the 5 minute watch!) that dives into how to live longer. Spoiler alert: it is through community, and one of the best ways to find community is through art. So grab your glue guns, dust off your dance shoes, and start saying yes to trying new things (or retrying something you used to love!). I have joined a choir for the Christmas season, and while I’m a little terrified to be singing on stage again, I’m thrilled to be a part of a musical community again.
This Wednesday we will continue making appetizers from Salty, Cheesy, Herby, Crispy, Snackable Bakes by Jessie Sheehan (available at Bookshop.org, or Amazon).
I, too, have had a transformative perspective on winter. While I once viewed being “forced” to stay inside due to cold as a punishment, like you--I find it a respite, an opportunity to be introspective in myself, my surroundings, and my world.
As a lifelong Michigander, I’ve grown to mark my days and years based on the seasonal calendar. The draw of each season creates its own unique anticipation that prevents the doldrums by propelling us into something new. I really don’t think I could live anywhere that couldn’t provide me the predictably unpredictable experiences of the seasons.
I’m looking forward to the food, music, and community that winter brings (and have already been experiencing it in this fall/winter we’re having). I can allow myself to stay inside and work on projects that I avoided because I wanted to enjoy the outdoors while the weather was warm. Not to be forgotten, the most magical and spiritual of holidays brings us hope anew while treasuring memories of old. And I am reminded that I am blessed.
"There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing." - Alfred Wainwright
I thought of this quote as I read this post and I think I agree. I have embraced each season for its own blessings - and I loathe each one for its other unsatisfactory attributes. My favorite things to do leading up to Christmas include video chats with far-flung friends, mailing (and receiving!) Christmas cards, and watching classic Christmas movies ("The Bishop's Wife" and "It Happened on 5th Avenue" down, several more to go!). In fact, I think I'll crack open some kettle corn and start one now! Christmas movies - a topic for another day! 🙂