I used to dread winter. The grey days, the biting cold, the endless layers of clothing—it all felt so heavy. The season would settle over me like a blanket I didn’t ask for, and it was hard to shake the sadness that came with it.

But something shifted in me over the past few years. Winter, which I once hated, has slowly become one of my favourite seasons. Maybe it’s because I’ve stopped fighting it. Instead of resenting its stillness, I’ve learned to embrace it. Winter has become my permission to hit pause, slow down, and just be.

In her book Wintering , Katherine May writes, “We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.” That idea has stayed with me because it reminds me that every season, both in nature and in life—has a purpose. Winter, with its stillness and quiet, is a time for rest and renewal. I’ve stopped seeing it as something to endure and started seeing it as a chance to heal, reflect, and prepare for what comes next.

It’s the season where I let go of the guilt of always needing to “do.” When the snow falls and the sky turns that perfect shade of blah , I retreat into my cozy little nook and embrace the slow life. I spend my time snuggled up with my family, baking cookies that leave the house smelling like a Pinterest board come to life, knitting hats and what feels like a million Christmas ornaments that no one asked for but everyone will get. And find time for all the hobbies I can never seem to find time for in the summer. Winter is my permission to hit pause, wrap myself in a blanket burrito, sip something warm, and remind myself that sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing.

I get excited about gloomy days now. They give me a reason to light every candle I own, turn on the fireplace, and just sit quietly in the stillness. Katherine May describes winter as “a fallow period in life. A time when you’re cut off from the world, feeling rejected, sidelined, or blocked from progress.” But she also reminds us that wintering is natural and necessary. “Doing those deeply unfashionable things—slowing down, letting your spare time expand, getting enough sleep, resting—is a radical act now, but it is essential.” Winter’s slowness forces us to stop, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

This time of year also inspires my art. This is when I dive into personal art and dream projects, the ones that don’t come with deadlines or expectations. There’s something about the quiet of a snowy day that opens up space in my mind, clearing away the noise and letting creativity flow naturally. Creativity in winter feels softer, unhurried—like snowflakes gathering quietly on a windowsill. It reminds me that inspiration doesn’t need to be chased; sometimes, it just needs space to breathe.

So, as we settle into the winter season, I hope you find your own version of magic in it too. Whether it’s a walk through the snow, a cozy night with a good book, or simply letting yourself rest without guilt, let this season remind you that slowing down is as vital as moving forward. There’s beauty in the quiet, and growth in the pause.

Creative Challenge: Reflective Snowflakes

Snowflakes are unique, intricate, and fleeting—just like the moments and emotions we experience. This week, we’re making paper snowflakes to reflect on the season and what it’s teaching us. Each snowflake will hold a piece of your thoughts, emotions, or hopes, turning them into something beautiful.

A few sheets of paper (white, coloured, or patterned—whatever you like!)

Markers, pens, crayons, or coloured pencils

Prepare Your Paper: Start by folding your paper into a square, then fold it again into a triangle. Fold it a few more times until you have a smaller triangle—this will be the base for your snowflake.

Cut Your Snowflake: Use scissors to carefully cut shapes and patterns into the edges of your folded triangle. These cuts will form your snowflake design. Don’t worry about perfection—snowflakes are meant to be unique!

Reflect as You Create: As you cut, think about what winter has been teaching you lately. What emotions or lessons are coming to the surface?

Add Your Reflections: Once you’ve unfolded your snowflake, use markers or pens to write a word, phrase, or symbol on each flake that represents:

❆ Something you’re letting go of this season.

❆ Something you’re grateful for.

❆ Something you’re hoping to invite into your life.

Display Your Snowflakes: Hang them in a window, string them together as a garland, or place them somewhere special to remind you of the magic of winter and the beauty of self-reflection.

Why This Works: Turning your emotions into art gives them a place to rest outside of you, creating space for reflection and healing. The simple act of cutting and decorating can be calming, grounding you in the present moment. Snowflakes remind us that even in our imperfections, there’s beauty and value.

What’s your favourite way to embrace the stillness of winter? I’d love to hear your cozy rituals or moments of magic—hit reply and let me know!