Not the winter blues
There’s something about looking at a brand new diary at the beginning of a new year - blank pages still crisp and fresh - waiting to be filled with living. Many - most - people dread the aftermath after Christmas, once the festive fun and frivolity has come to an end. With the dark and gloomy days ahead, winter seem endless as January seeps into February and then March, spring still a distant promise away. In the depth of this most unpopular of seasons, it feels as if there is nothing to look forward to.
Yet I love this time of year - the hunkering down, the cosiness, the lighting of candles to create an inviting, cocooning space - and all those books I intend to read while curled up on the sofa during those long evenings. Without any distractions, I am also at my most prolific when it comes to my own writing. In the quiet and stillness of winter, I am definitely more productive.
Perhaps my embracing winter suits the introvert in me. I like the sense of stillness and slowing down, the going within. And little rituals help: lighting candles on my desk at dusk while I write, making sure I go for a walk every day and planning little treats.
But I realise winter is not for everyone. And come March, I do crave change and usually can’t wait to finally fold away my winter coats and wool jumpers for something lighter.
In fact, the idea of stepping into the light and warmth again after a long winter inspired me to draft a children’s book called ‘Little Miss Midgie,.’ The book, which is aimed at two to five year olds, is about a hedgehog (Miss Midgie) who has just come out of hibernation and is re-acquainting herself with her friends - namely fox, squirrel, bird and rabbit. I really enjoyed writing it and sketching the illustrations to accompany my little tale. Now I just need to plan my next steps and decide whether to bring this little project into the world - and brush up on my drawing skills in the meantime!
Hibernating hedgehogs aside, I wish you all a good start into 2025, a joyful winter season and a very Happy New Year!