Last fall when my high school was doing hybrid classes, on one of the “online” days for PE I had to plan my own workout for half an hour, so usually I would walk around my property with Willy for that time. While doing that, I always marveled at the different sights and views of my property, especially as the autumn season really settled in. It got me thinking about those two seasons—fall and winter—and how many fond memories of simple life things I had that encouraged me when I could feel sad and otherwise down during the seasons. Spring and summer tend to be relatively upbeat and relaxed, but it seems like in these two seasons, where the weather and darkness can oftentimes make them feel long, people need that extra encouragement all the more, so I’ve been wanting to write these blog posts for awhile now, not only to reflect on my own life and all the little blessings God has given me to enjoy throughout these times but to also share them with you in hopes that you can look at your own life and find and reflect on several of these blessings as well.
✧*:･ﾟTake time to be still and reflect. Simply write your thoughts or start a new fun project.
Winter can offer a great opportunity to slow down, gather your thoughts, and focus on all the joy in your life, as well as maybe take some steps to learn about what you could improve on. Usually people get some sort of break for the holidays, but those can be stressful in and of themselves with preparations. Perhaps the next time you get a snow day, are snowed in, or just find yourself bored with the dismal weather and being stuck in the house, you can take that time to channel your energy into examining your life and what you could possibly add to it. I’ve actually completed a lot of my projects during these months: I transferred my blog to Squarespace during the wintertime, and last year during that same timeframe I transferred it to WordPress, both things I’d been wanting to do before the winter months, and once those months rolled around, I found it was the ideal time to cozy up and work on them. Take the time to draw near to God and seek His insight on all of this, as well.
✧*:･ﾟCozy up and enjoy the coziness of the season.
I’ve never been a fan of cold weather and don’t really enjoy it at all, but I do love the opportunities it gives me to appreciate a warm house, cozy blankets and clothing, and just down time to relax amidst it all. Take time to be intentional about just being, not going constantly and being distracted, and just relax when you find yourself overwhelmed or down in the dumps. Sometimes all you need is to just rest your body and your mind and be close to the Father. I did that several times throughout high school, where I’d just have to take a break from homework, all my other projects, and mindless scrolling, and just lay down on my bed, maybe turn on some lights in my room but otherwise keep it dark, and just talk to Him about whatever I needed to. That’s the real way to renew your spirit, which matters most.
✧*:･ﾟOn that note, I really recommend doing some sort of reflection on your life during this time; it can bring such joy to your heart to really meditate on all God has blessed you with in the past and give you His assurance going forward.
One thing I’ve liked to do on the last day of every year (which currently as I write this happens to be today!) is go through all the photos and videos I’ve taken over the year and just give thanks to God for all His provisions and faithfulness. I’ll also usually do that while listening to new songs I saved over the course of the year, too. One time I remember writing a note while doing that, and it was during my freshman year of high school when I was going through a phase of deep anxiety about my life, and it really brought me not only joy but overwhelming peace to reflect on all the moments God had given me. It reassured me of His favor and protection on my life and gave me His peace going forward, to know that He would continue providing for my life. I think we get so used to rushing through life or trying to show off our lives that we don’t just enjoy them for the simple but truly meaningful reason that we have them. Stop running all the time; stop trying to prove and post your life all the time. Take time to be still and just enjoy it for your own sake, between you and God, praising Him for His goodness. Another fun way to do this could be if you are with family for the holidays, looking at family photos can also be really fun and produce that same overflowing effect of gratitude and joyfulness.
At the time this photo was taken, I was going through a scrapbooking phase inspired by a friend of mine, and this was when my brother loved me still and wanted to do everything I did. It was short-lived, but I really enjoyed it at the time, and getting to be creative while reflecting on my life brought such joy, the perfect winter pick-me-up.
✧*:･ﾟTry to get outside when you can.
Now you know I’m really doing some lifelong reflection because I don’t look like I do in this picture much anymore, but this was the day after one Christmas where, clearly, I was very excited to wear that pink hat I’d gotten, and we had a bunch of pretty snow so I was going to take Willy for a walk. Obviously one of the challenging aspects about winter for most of us is how it’s not always feasible to go outside, but a lot of times it can be if you bundle up. I have the fondest memories of, I think just in the winter before this picture was taken, going outside by our house to play in the snow with my brother. Winter can be so fun for that. We often act as if going outside in the winter is a pain, and just from the little taste I got before winter break from college, it definitely can be, but that’s why if you try to make it about having fun rather than something you have to endure it can really change your perspective. God’s creation is truly beautiful in any season, and getting out to enjoy it whenever you can does do wonders for your mental health.
These other photos were taken back when my brother had a basketball tournament at our college, and it was nearing the end of February so you caught more glimpses of spring-like weather. My mom and I had walked to a nearby gas station to get some snacks—probably for my dad, which she probably wasn’t happy about—but I loved getting out in the fresh air, feeling reminded of spring coming. Exercise is also very encouraging and a natural mood booster, so again, whenever you can commit to things like that during the season, do it. Sometimes that’s all you need to get out of a funk and learn to appreciate life for how it is. It won’t be that way forever!
✧*:･ﾟGo for a winter drive—when it’s safe to do so, of course.
A lot of people like to do this to check out Christmas lights, which is something I’ve done with my family several times and really enjoy, but I also have amazing memories of just driving and seeing winter landscapes as well. I always remember this one time when I was a young girl out scouting for geese with my dad, and I don’t remember the exact location of where we were, but it was on some gravel road when we were crossing over a frozen river/creek, and though it was not that wide, its length seemed to extend for miles, and it was covered in snow with barren trees enveloping it on both sides that were also dusted with snow, and it was just the prettiest sight. I have a mental image of it but I wish I had a real one. This picture is going down one of the roads by where we live, when Mom and I were running to a nearby Walmart where I remember getting a bunch of cozy pajamas. I love little drives like that, taking in all the beauty God has bestowed all around us. It’s so serene and uplifting.
✧*:･ﾟAlways keep your focus on Jesus. Regardless of what may be causing your mood to wane during this season, He is the only One who will restore it.
The winter season brings us the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, His story of coming to earth for us where He would ultimately give us the greatest gift of all—salvation and being with Him forever in eternity. Not only that, but He also lived a life that continually displayed circumstances He didn’t deserve as Lord of Lords, but that happened so He could empathize with us in whatever we’re going through. Feeling rejected? Well, He literally had no reason to be whatsoever; He’s literally who we were made for, but people did reject and still reject Him all the time. Feeling disappointed with how life is playing out? Life continually treated Him that way; no prosperous circumstances were just given to Him, even though He is most deserving of them. Still, He remains victorious and the light of the world and hope we cling to—because even though people reject Him, they are going to pay for that, and there will be a day when all are held accountable for what they’ve done against Him, when He will rightfully take His place as King despite the hard life He endured on earth for our sakes. He had to do that for us, but the story doesn’t end there. There is still more to come. Despite the disappointment rampant in a sinful world, He did not stray from His mission then, and He has not strayed from His mission now. We are to do the same. When life can feel absolutely paralyzing, we have to keep turning to Him. He understands, and He will make it right. He is the provider of our joy, which we can have despite it all, because He is with us now and will always be. He is what the season is about and who our lives should revolve around all the time. Consider during the season if, rather than focusing more on Him, you’re focusing less on Him and more instead on the pressure of holidays or the cold. Make all that fade until all that remains is the heart of the holidays itself: Him. His life. His story. His light. His redemption.
Some ways you can actively focus on Him are through attending Christmas church services (and services in general), our town from time to time has a live nativity that is amazing to drive through and reflect on, literally bringing the story to life again, or there are also several Christmas Bible studies and resources you can look up. It doesn’t even have to be that hard, though. While I recommend all those things as much as possible, sometimes it’s as simple as sitting in front of your Christmas tree, meditating on all He has done and will do.
✧*:･ﾟRejoice every morning.
On most days, most of us probably have to be up at a decent time for school, work, or other obligations, which during the usual coldness of the winter season can feel especially draining, but then there were times where I’d walk out to the car to see this. It’s hard not to feel that rush of joy enter your heart when God shows His magnificence like this, and it’s something on display every day. There is beauty in every new day, and just taking the time to not just brush it off and continue on with your day or just snap it and post it and move on but to actually stop, take it in, and marvel at it lets it soak in. In many ways, it really does fill you with the awareness of His presence, which is everything in setting the tone for your day, no matter what’s going on. Don’t just rush through the days, letting the grind of life weigh you down. Focus on the littlest things that ultimately make up life, like the beauty in an early morning sunrise.
✧*:･ﾟEnjoy reading.
I know not everyone likes to read as much as some people do, but it’s really one of those things like exercise that I recommend you strive to still find some way to enjoy. There has to be a topic or maybe a certain writer that you’d enjoy spending a great deal of time with, which can be a great, relaxing way to enjoy a winter day when you’re snowed in or otherwise don’t have a lot to do. I have so many great memories of getting books for Christmas and reading on my break, just enjoying spending time on stories that really captivate and inspire me.
✧*:･ﾟLook for the light.
Winter days can seem dark, but going along with the point on rejoicing every morning, just taking time to appreciate when the sun comes up or peeks through can help a lot. It’s a simple thing, but it really does mean a lot to me, and we just have to get better at noticing those beautiful pleasures of life. When the sun creeps over the horizon as part of a sunrise, when it makes all the crisp snow sparkle and reflect little crystals of light everywhere…it’s part of His light, a gift for us every day.
✧*:･ﾟTry switching up or enjoying some little part of your everyday life, like doing your nails for the holidays/winter in general.
One of my favorite winter memories of my freshman year in high school is when one of my older friends invited me over for a sleepover, and we spent the time talking, watching movies—one being a Christmas romance, doing our nails (as pictured), and eating great food (fake champagne with chicken nuggets, it was great!!). I really enjoyed that time with her and her dad, and when I came home, I had this simple but sweet manicure to remind me of our time together and the wintery season it took place in.
✧*:･ﾟSimple winter/Christmas decorations also go a long way in helping you enjoy and appreciate the unique season.
My mom always does a phenomenal job decorating our home and making it feel so festive and cozy; just today she’s been getting out her winter “snowman” decorations and putting away a bunch of the Christmas decorations. Since my room is so girly and has that specific aesthetic, I maybe can’t go as crazy with decorations, but I still love simple things that remind me of the season and holiday; it gives such a boost to my spirit and reminds me what it’s all about. I have a cute little tree still aligned with my room aesthetic but that also has ornaments and what not about Jesus to really showcase what it’s all about. Then for winter, I leave a lot of that up, like that elegant white stocking you see in the photo. I also have white sheets which seem very wintery with all that, so I keep my environment feeling festive and comfy for the winter months, which gives me that little boost of appreciation for the season. It seems like actually celebrating it, as with most things in life, rather than ignoring it, goes such a long way in how you think about it and enjoy it.
✧*:･ﾟSee a Christmas movie, go out and explore downtown, or something otherwise fun that allows you to enjoy the special time of year.
Now you can really tell we’re digging through old memories in this photo; my brother looks nothing like that anymore and he’s usually not that happy-looking next to me anymore, either. Anyway, this was taken when my whole family went to go see a movie one time shortly after Christmas—a new Star Wars one I believe—and we were standing right outside the theater by some of the town’s decorations. My town does such a nice job decorating each corner with a themed Christmas tree; they also have pretty lights strewn about. My grandparents’ town also has beautiful Christmas decorations and lights we always admire. Just a couple years later, after my mom and I went and saw the newest Jumanji movie (which I highly recommend, it’s hilarious), we checked out this adorable gazebo in our town’s central park, and some nice couple took our picture for us. I remember being painfully cold, but I’m so glad we went and checked it out.
✧*:･ﾟEnjoy the snow!
My mom and I have talked a lot recently about how we don’t understand why so many people around us seem to hate snow. I get that it comes when it can be super cold and it can be a big pain in the butt, but snow itself is so beautiful and tranquil if you let it be. From playing in it like I did when I was younger, to going for winter walks in it like my mom and I sometimes did in the past, to just admiring it adorning the trees and valleys or right outside my window…it just shows how God creates all of the seasons, and I’ve really tried to enjoy all of them because all of it is part of His creation and therefore good. With sin in the world, that’s obviously made a lot of things like snow that were intended for good to become dangerous or burdensome, but we’re also so good at emphasizing the negatives of things that we don’t even notice the blessings things can be. Don’t you remember the childlike wonder and excitement of the first time of the season when a cumulative snowfall had occurred? Or all those memories of getting out of school early like I have, when snow would softly be coming down and you knew you were going to be free to spend the rest of the day however you wanted? If it’s something you get to experience, of course it’s not always going to feel beautiful and fun, but try to be more mindful of the quiet nights when it just rests peacefully along the ground, coating the countryside in a shimmering grey, reflecting the moonlight. There’s so much beauty in the world around us despite its weary condition.
✧*:･ﾟEnjoy the Christmas and winter season through a Christmas concert, event, or just listening to the radio or watching certain movies.
At the end of 2019, my mom and I were blessed with getting to see Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith at Wells Fargo Arena where they sang their Christmas songs. It was a great concert, beautifully decorated, and we had pretty good views of everything. I really enjoyed it and having that time with her. It was so cool getting to actually see and hear people live whose songs I’ve listened to on the radio forever! It’s definitely an experience I’m grateful for, plus it really tied back in so much with Jesus and His glory through it all. A lot of their songs were focused on Him, and I remember Michael talking and saying some really encouraging things for the audience about Him and His providence and love. But focusing on Him and Christmas doesn’t have to be done on such a large scale like a concert; we were blessed they happened to come to Des Moines and we could go, but in years past I’ve always just tried to enjoy the laidback days of school leading up to break, hearing Christmas songs on the radio, a lot of which are about Him as they should be, or watching inspiring Christmas movies. I remember in elementary school, a lot of times they would play The Polar Express on our last day before break, and I want to say it involved other fun activities like getting to wear your pajamas or drinking hot chocolate. That has always been my favorite Christmas movie; I love the themes woven throughout and the movie itself is absolutely amazingly done between the voices and graphics and music. It’s truly stunning. Well, one time I had to miss that day because there was a winter storm coming and we had to leave to get up to my grandparents’ for the holidays with them. I was so unhappy to miss that, haha. But those are little joys I now realize you can create anytime.
✧*:･ﾟPractice your driving 😉
Also at the end of 2019, I started attempting to drive some more during the November/December months. I don’t remember enduring any crappy road conditions then, but a year later I would a little bit when I took myself in for some classes. Still, I think all driving experience is valuable, so if you have extra time to drive your family around—like I ended up taking us to my grandparents’ when we went up for Christmas—it can’t hurt! And even if you’re an experienced driver where this doesn’t really apply to you, I still find that driving can be a soothing experience between listening to music or just enjoying all the sights you see. A great way to combine my earlier points on being still with Him, listening to Christmas music, and going for a winter drive. 🙂
✧*:･ﾟOpen your curtains/blinds.
This is another simple thing you can do when you start to feel glum about the weather or are feeling stuck inside. This is also a great thing to do when the sun is out, soak it in!! It’s a great way to brighten up your space, which a lot of times can be all the boost you need, and also just enjoying your view really helps me a lot. I love seeing the snow especially when there’s a clear blue sky like in the photo above with the sun glowing over all of it. Just looking at these photos makes me praise Him; the light from the sun is just so therapeutic; I have memories of times I was talking to Him and just the shifting of shadows and light can make me so sensitive of His presence, and it’s just amazing. He is the Light of the world, and I feel like I can really experience that and revel in it when He bestows sunshine upon us, which is especially a gift during the wintertime.
✧*:･ﾟEnjoy the people around you and easygoing nights at home.
I thank God my family really gets into watching Thanksgiving/Christmas movies, and a lot of times over the past few years I’ve been enjoying hanging out in the living room with them watching them all. A lot of times we’ll have popcorn or other fun holiday snacks. The older I get, I really appreciate just enjoying life like that in an easygoing, content manner. I feel like so many people love to run around constantly and need to be partying or stuff like that to feel fulfilled, but I don’t want it to take such grand or harmful methods to make myself happy. I want to enjoy living for living’s sake, and when you can just slow down, enjoy things as they are, and be content in the quieter times of life, I think that’s where the sweet spot of living really is. Some personalities like that lifestyle more than others, mine being one of them, but when you think about it, God calls us to a life of stillness and rest with Him. That’s not to say we become lazy slugs, but I think it means we’re different especially nowadays in a culture that’s always going 24/7.
✧*:･ﾟGo out/for a drive at night to see the lights/snow in a different way—shopping at night is also a great experience, even if you don’t buy anything.
One of the downsides to winter is how short the days can seem and how fast it gets dark. That can be a bummer for some people, but one way I love embracing that is to still go out and do things anyway. Seeing the downtown at night all lit up or going to the mall near the end of its hour, when the night sky is reigning trough it and people just seem to be scarcer and less frantic is a whole different way of taking it in. Plus, most malls usually have a bunch of Christmas decorations up, so just enjoying them, looking at the Christmas merchandise in stores, etc. can be so relaxing and joyful. These photos are actually from when my mom and I went to my last pre-jaw surgery appointment in Iowa City, and then of course I wanted to go to the mall afterwards to check it out. I was so happy, I remember, because my appointment was scheduled for much later in the day, and then I had to wait for bloodwork forever, so by the time we got out of there it was dark, and Mom was like you get your nightlife. :’) It’s just a whole different vibe seeing it in that perspective; I love going out and seeing stuff all lit up in the dark. It just allows me to focus that much more on Him, His light, as it provides such a visual representation of it. The lights in the city are where the people are at night, in this dark world, and it’s His light we have to bring to them all. I just love it.
✧*:･ﾟEmbrace the night’s light.
You can see and marvel at the stars in the night sky during any season, but I feel like the night sky manifests itself in different ways during the summer than it does for the winter. In the summer, to me it feels more romantic, wistful, and alive, whereas in the winter it seems a lot more mysterious, enchanting, and wondrous. I actually loved when I had to go pick up my brother from some practice or other at night, getting to drive under it, walking out in my driveway and seeing the stars, puffs of cloud, and shininess of it all on the snow. It’s such a majestic effect I love unique to this time of year. I want to see the northern lights!!
✧*:･ﾟBuy some fun little ornaments/stocking stuffers/other winter items to enjoy throughout the season.
You don’t have to break the bank on this, even though I spent an embarrassing amount of money on this little mascara I bought not even for the makeup but the little ornament/adorable girly winter packaging it came in. I don’t regret it, though, because shallow as it seems, it’s something I’ll cherish every winter. I kept it on my desk at college. Also, I’ve always appreciated little stocking stuffer items I’ve gotten like fuzzy winter socks, a new brush, or sometimes even a gift card. Our student government did this for the end of finals which was right before our winter break, where they gave out little bags of snacks and chocolate to encourage us through the week. I thought that was so special, and just the simplest things like that throughout the winter can really be a boost to your spirit. Like I said, you don’t have to go crazy spending money, but I think little treats like that throughout the longer, sometimes stressful months can be a nice way to reward and encourage yourself and also help you to appreciate the little things and gifts in life. I’d seen this makeup brand’s limited holiday line in a YouTube video and thought the packaging was adorable, and one day when my roommate and I were out and about I saw their stuff on display in our Ulta. A couple days later, I told her I wanted to go back and check it out. I only had a limited amount of money to spend, but thankfully this little mascara ornament I wanted most ended up fitting in that budget, so that was my gift to myself for the winter season, and I always enjoyed seeing it on my desk.
✧*:･ﾟWear a scarf.
Like I mentioned before, the most draining part of winter for me is just the lingering cold; I hate being cold, and now, with me being in college where I have to go outside a lot, I’ve began seeing the value of a scarf. Before I left for college, I bought a cute little set from Victoria’s Secret off Poshmark that included a hat, mittens, and this scarf that you just conveniently pull over your head and it just rests around your neck like a necklace. I swear it’s made all the difference! Just having something there around my neck to bury my face in when I want to, the extra layer just helps me feel a little warmer. I do notice when I don’t wear it, too, like when I think I don’t need it and just wear my hat and gloves—oftentimes I wish I’d have worn it. So if you don’t regularly wear scarves and hate the cold, I’d recommend you start. I’m actually surprised how much I rely on mine.
✧*:･ﾟRemind yourself of what matters.
First and foremost, that would be Him, but I also love little reminders of the people He’s blessed me with, especially if you can’t always be with them. Pictures or little ornaments can go a long way in encouraging you—I mean my gosh, if my silly little “Better Than Sex” mascara ornament can warm my heart, how much more do those with my family or with baby Jesus in a manger! I have several little beautiful ornaments at home like that, and my roommate and I really enjoyed our Christmas tree in our dorm this year, too. This adorable little ornament of my dog was a Christmas gift from her! It meant so much to me—she knows how much I love my dog, and basically all labs in existence.
✧*:･ﾟInvest in a good pair of winter boots.
I can’t say enough good things about Uggs, which my roommate is wearing in this photo. I went through like three pairs of “fake Uggs” and they just didn’t have the same durable, warm snugness that Uggs do. I swear when I wear those, my feet are never cold; it’s just a conforming cloud of sheepskin that traps every bit of body heat. Plus, they’re just adorably designed. I will never understand why people want them to die; for me they’re always going to be a classic. But I definitely think there’s something about when your head and/or feet are warm, your body is far warmer. Over the summer, I got a pair of Sperry winter boots during the Nordstrom sale, mainly because I thought they were adorable, but I also thought they would be great to have for the slushy times of year when I’m walking at college, and I was right. They’re SO cozy and durable! Also, those pink sweatpants I’m wearing are the most comfortable and warm pair of pants I’ve ever owned. They have this luxuriously soft material, but then again, they were over $100 on Revolve. I definitely did not pay that much for them, though; God blessed me with them going on sale in the $30 price range in August. And I’m so thankful I did decide to get them because I absolutely adore the shade of pink, and literally when I wear them my legs are never cold; they just don’t allow cold in. The material isn’t even cashmere, but they’re my favorite pair of sweatpants/joggers ever.
✧*:･ﾟLastly, cultivate a spirit of giving.
This time is a great season to really pour into others, whether through tangible gifts or just blessing people with a kind heart, time, prayers, and any other way you can reach out to help someone on their journey. Jesus came to earth to give us the ultimate gift of salvation, and one of the greatest ways you can bless someone else is simply by sharing His love and redemption with them. The smallest gestures can make the biggest differences, especially when done with a truly kind heart that genuinely cares about others. People who are consistently self-centered or apathetic truly rob themselves and others of life because we’re not meant to be that way. True life comes from giving all that you have and consistently serving others. If Jesus did that when He was the One most deserving to be served, we can’t expect a meaningful life any other way. That’s the greatest way to change your life and add joy to it, especially in this season where you never know what someone is going through.
