Just the other day we were driving through the mountains, commenting on how muted they’d become — no longer the vibrant red and orange tapestry we’d been enjoying all autumn, and certainly not the green mountain backdrop of summer. 

My husband noticed a little patch of yellow off in the distance, a group of trees still holding onto their yellow leaves, not ready to let go. 

I am that yellow tree

— not quite ready to let go and welcome the colder days and snowfall with open boughs. And yet, the dreariness of this time of the year we call “stick season” feels a bit bleak — it’s so wearisome when the sun isn’t shining and the world around us looks so bare.

It will come time to let go of my yellow leaves.

In doing so, it doesn’t mean I’m without purpose. Just a tree — there. 

Oh no, not just a tree.

I’m alive here in the midst of stick season.

I’m just alive now as I was when blossoms burst open and green leaves grew towards the sun.

It just looks a little different now…

Let’s step forward, just as alive as we were before.

Let’s find ways to be intentional about making physical and mental transitions into the upcoming winter — there’s truly so much joy to be found.

Here are 12 ways to embrace the upcoming winter months:

1. Reorganize your bookshelf (or one of them, if you have multiple!) You’re bound to come across a book you’ve forgotten about. Perhaps this book carries warm memories, bringing comfort and nostalgia. Or maybe it’s a book you haven’t even opened yet, but have been meaning to read. Either way, you really won’t need to go far.

2. Invite a few friends over for a game night. Have everyone bring their favorite snack to share (and/or favorite board game!) As the days get darker, it’s important to connect, laugh, and make memories with the special people in your life.
3. Go for a walk by a brook or a stream — stop to listen. The sound of flowing water has been shown to help the body’s nervous system relax, guiding brain waves to create a sense of calm. Drop a leaf in the water and watch it float downstream. Or simply close your eyes and focus on what you can smell and hear. Take a deep breath in and slowly let it out.
4. If you haven’t already, hang twinkle lights in your house. They don’t just have to be for the holidays – you can leave them up year-round! Warm yellow twinkle lights just exude cozy and add so much to create a peaceful atmosphere.
5. Start a bird journal. A bird journal — what’s that? When you’re out walking or even just looking out your window, stop and notice the birds you see and hear around you. Record the bird you saw, where you saw it, and when. It’s fascinating to notice patterns — you’ll soon find yourself walking at a slower pace, your senses more in tune with the beautiful little details all around you. If you aren’t sure what birds you’re seeing, invest in a good bird book or download the Merlin app on your phone for free.
6. Work on a puzzle while listening to your favorite calming music. If you don’t have any puzzles, head over to your local library. Many libraries have puzzles you can sign out for free. This is a great activity you can start and come back to. Work alone or with someone else – it’s fun either way!
7. Collect pine cones for future winter crafting and decor before the snow falls. Sometimes it helps to have a “purpose” for going outside — something to look for, something to do. Pine cones make for a great winter crafting accessory!

8. Change out your wardrobe. Put away your summer clothing and switch them out for your cozy winter sweaters. As sad as it is to pack away your sundresses and shorts, think about how exciting it will be to pull them out again come springtime! Not to mention, you now have a reason to wear layers and bulky sweaters, which somehow feel like a cozy hug every time you put them on.
9. Create a cozy nook for journaling and reading. There are so many studies showing the incredible benefits of journaling. Make journaling a daily experience you can look forward to by creating a comforting space to reflect and write.  Squishy pillows, a fuzzy blanket, warm lighting. Try to find a spot near a window and make sure there’s a steady surface where you can place a hot mug of coffee or tea.
10. Eat with the season. Prepare a tray of roasted root vegetables. Cut up an assortment of beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and any other root vegetables you like. Toss in olive oil, along with some herbs and a bit of salt and pepper before roasting in the oven. This colorful dish is both beautiful and delicious!
11. Invite a friend or family member over for tea. Turn on the twinkle lights, place some peaceful music in the background. Put away your phone and be present. You’ll both be glad you took the time to connect.
12. Create a new “stick season” tradition you can look forward to every year — something that will bring comfort and joy during this in-between season. Whether it’s something you do with the people you love or by yourself, make it special and unique to this often dreary time of the year.

For a printable version of this list, visit the 12 Ways to Embrace the Upcoming Winter Printable download page or click here to immediately download.

How will you embrace the upcoming days of winter?