Category: Cooperative Extension
Beyond the Tinsel: How to Make Winter Truly "Bearable" This January
January 12, 2026 Written by: Kim Silva, 4-H Extension Agent
Once the holiday lights come down and the New Year’s champagne has lost its fizz, January can feel a bit daunting. The evenings are still long, the air is crisp, and the "post-holiday slump" is a very real phenomenon. However, the heart of winter doesn't have to be a season of waiting—it can be a season of intentional joy.
Whether you are looking to embrace the "cozy" or spark a new passion, here are some ways to brighten your home and your mood this month.
Curate Your Atmosphere
Who says the magic has to end on January 1st? If a particular strand of lights or a winter wreath brings you peace, keep a few favorite decorations up. Pair them with aromatherapy—think scents of cedar, orange, or vanilla—to create a sensory sanctuary that wards off the winter blues.
Savor New Flavors
Winter is the perfect time to turn your kitchen into a laboratory. Dust off that stack of "must-try" recipes you’ve clipped from magazines or saved on your phone. Whether it’s a hearty stew or a complex pastry, the process of cooking is just as rewarding as the meal itself.
Take a technology break
In a world of screens, there is something deeply grounding about tactile hobbies.
The Puzzle Table: Clear off a surface and spread out a jigsaw puzzle. It’s a low-pressure way to engage your brain over several days.
Board Game Night: When was the last time you played a game that didn't involve an app? Invite a friend over for a classic round of Scrabble or Monopoly.
The Reading Nook: Grab those books that have been gathering dust on your shelf, wrap yourself in a heavy blanket, and get lost in another world.
Connect and Reflect
The cold can feel isolating. Making an effort to reach out is vital. Call someone every day. A simple ten-minute catch-up can shift your entire perspective.
While you're on your phone, use the downtime to curate your digital life. Go through your photo gallery: delete the duplicates, organize the memories, and pick a few favorites to finally print and frame.
Move and Explore
It’s tempting to stay indoors, but a change of scenery is the best cure for cabin fever. Bundle up and head outside to observe how winter has transformed your local park or neighborhood.
If it’s truly too cold to venture out, bring the movement inside. Start that hobby you’ve always been curious about—believe it or not, you can find salsa lessons on YouTube and learn to dance right in your living room.
January doesn't have to be a month of "getting through it." By leaning into the slow pace of the season, you can turn the coldest weeks of the year into a time of warmth and renewal.