The Holiday Season is over, Christmas trees sit sadly by the side of the road, the back of my local Target looks like a holiday graveyard, presents are neatly tucked away to be enjoyed throughout the year, and I’ve heard the phrase “Christmas is over, I’m ready for Summer!” more times than I can count.
But y’all, I have to tell you something. Winter has just started…yet, oddly, I can’t find my favorite pine-scented soap at the store anymore. For my family, Christmas is simply the commencement of the winter season, not the encapsulation of it. The days are dark, the nights are long, the air is crisp, and if it’s not snowing, it’s raining. So what’s a mom to do?
Here are 5 ways I keep the magic of Christmas alive throughout the winter, while also celebrating this cold and wet, yet renewing time of year.
Winter Decor:
Most of us, myself included, take down the tree, the lights, and the stockings a day or so after New Years Day. However, I keep my non-Christmas decorations. If it isn’t covered in Santa Claus, Christmas sentiments, or ornaments, it stays until Spring. Think seasonal wreaths, garlands and greenery, scented candles, and wintery dish/hand towels. These touches throughout my home bring the season inside while cheering up the house during bleak winter days.
Winter Play List:
Ever noticed how many of the “Christmas” songs we hear from November 24th – December 25th don’t actually mention Christmas? Well, it’s true! Many are simply songs of the season. I like to make a winter song playlist to listen to during snowy Saturday afternoons. Some favorites include Jingle Bells, Baby It’s Cold Outside, Winter Wonderland, and Sleigh Ride.
Winter Baking:
Ok, seriously, Christmas doesn’t have a monopoly on cookies, or cakes, or pies. Wintertime is the perfect season to create a family tradition of baking on the weekends with your kids. Its a warm and cozy indoor activity that creates bonding time with family and also helps your children learn an invaluable skill (yes, cookie making is absolutely as important as checkbook balancing!). So bust out Grandma’s cutout cookie recipe and start to teach your little ones the importance of baking delicious treats, time spent together, and oh so importantly, patience.
Winter Cooking:
Along those same lines, I love cooking seasonally. Light and fresh meals in the summer, and heavy rich dishes in the winter. Soups, stews, chilies, one-pot meals, and many slow-cooker meals, all fall into the category of what I think of as wintertime delish! Hearty dishes that contain plenty of good things to eat will keep you warm through the brisk winter nights.
Charitable Giving:
During the Christmas season, many of us are eager to participate in giving campaigns, which is wonderful! But, let’s not forget that winter is just starting, and for many of our neighbors with inadequate clothing, food supply, or even homes, it is the most brutal time of year. Many of these victims are children who have no defense or help other than the charities that assist them. Donations are needed throughout the season, not just by December 25th. These can include monetary donations, but also used clothing or other items you no longer have a use for. What a bonus! You’ll be decluttering your house and helping those who need it most all at the same time!
You are so right! I had never really thought of some of these things, like those holiday songs which truly are about the entire season and just not Christmas! This year to keep the holiday spirit alive, I’m planning a small Valentine’s Day party 🙂 Yay for more crafts and party food! Thanks for sharing these ideas!
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