A wintertime sunrise over the mountains showcases the shapes of the bare trees.
Note: Last week, I asked for your photos of winter beauty and you sent me some stunning photos. Thank you so much! If you haven’t seen that post yet, check it out here. And I received so many photos that I’m going to do a part 2 post next Friday, so keep your eyes open for that. Now, enjoy this new little gift we made especially for you.
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in the summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter.” —John Burroughs
Sunny skies, unfurling flowers, fragrant green grass, leafy trees, and warm temperatures are just a few of the marvels in the summer that I enjoy. As we live our way through summer and the other seasons, I find many sources of beauty to write about.
But winter….well…that’s more of a challenge for me. I don’t like to be cold, and dull, gray days can cast a pall over my mood. Color, flowers, leaves, even the woodland creatures seem less abundant. You have to look harder to find beauty in the winter. But I’ve come to recognize the unique benefits that winter offers and some causes for wonder and admiration in this season too.
To inspire you too, I’m giving you a new printable piece of art called “Finding Winter Beauty.”
But first, here are some ideas of how to make this winter season a little warmer, a little brighter, and a little more fun. Take a look at the list, pick a few ideas, and put dates on your calendar when you will do them. Whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy it and then tell me about it. I’d love to know.
Walk in your neighborhood or someplace you know well, and look for the winter beauty that stands out to you. Take note of details you don’t see in other seasons.
The blue sky makes these shiny red berries and green leaves stand out.
As you go about your day, whether it’s on your commute, while running errands, or even sitting in a drive-thru, keep your eyes and ears open for unexpected beauty in the winter landscape: a bit of green, red berries, birdsong, the structure of the bare trees. Take photos of anything that catches your eye or inspires you. Some of my favorite photos for Glimsen have been of landscaping in parking lots and drive-thrus.
Visit a local or state park that’s new to you.
Check out an art museum. Look for paintings, sculpture, pottery that draw you in. Take note of what you appreciate and snap some photos, too, if you’re allowed. If not, the gift shop may have postcards of your favorite things so you can take that beauty home with you.
Go to the symphony or a concert.
Check out an antique store or market and look for things that inspire you.
Vintage bread bowls provide a rustic background for shimmery snuff boxes in a local boutique.
Visit a local history museum. Do you find any beauty there?
Browse a pottery or art sale. Take something home—or not. Just enjoy what you see.
Go to the library or a bookstore and pick up a new novel or nonfiction book on a topic that fascinates you.
Vintage architectural features plus bold art and design details make this one of the coolest libraries I’ve ever seen. Greenwich, NY
Plan a trip later in the year. Research websites, look at photos of your destination, and let yourself dream a little about what you’ll experience there.
Take a road trip with a friend through a landscape that you enjoy.
Meet a friend at a new coffee shop for your favorite hot beverage or a new café for lunch. Bonus points if the décor or view moves you.
Chocolate chai at a new breakfast place with my daughter on the coldest morning of the year so far.
Do you own any art or photography coffee table books? Snuggle up with a blanket and spend time looking through them. If you enjoy it, make it a regular habit.
Is there an area or room in your home with an interesting winter view? Make a point to spend more time there.
A hawk resting from the hunt. Photo credit: DLPennell
Take note of how the winter sky is different from the other seasons. Does the light seem to fall at different angles throughout the day? Are the sunsets and sunrises particularly brilliant, the stars brighter?
Since we’re typically inside so much during the winter, think about how you can add beauty to your home—maybe through the food you cook or your décor or something you create. Do you have photos or pieces of art you love that could be displayed for a fresh look?
Does music soothe your soul? What are you listening to? Would a new artist or type of music enrich the season for you? Create your own winter playlist, and dance a little too.
Spend time with a young child and marvel with him at new discoveries. Let that time re-awaken your own sense of wonder.
If you live in an area with snow, when is the last time you played in it, made a snow angel, or took photos of snow-dusted trees?
Engage your sense of smell and taste. Bake a flavorful bread, roast some spiced nuts, or make a pot of savory winter soup. Or all of the above!
Light a candle that smells like winter to you.
Is there a topic that you’d like to research? Or a skill you’d like to learn? Long winter nights provide the perfect time to explore something new.
Do some gardening if your climate permits. If not, focus on house plants, plan your garden for this year, and even start seedlings inside. Spring will be here before you know it!
Watch a new or favorite winter-themed movie or show that takes place in a cold climate.
Think of people you know who might need to be cheered or encouraged this season. Send them a short note. (Check out the beauty of the Winter notecards in the Glimsen Shop.)
And, finally, don’t forget to get your Finding Winter Beauty free printable below.
Thank you for reading Glimsen, where I write about the beauty around us in nature, the arts, and the unexpected. If you like this post, sign up below to get a free gift of beauty and you’ll also receive my blog posts in your inbox. Add more beauty to your life by signing up today.