Dear Heart,
Has winter got you feeling chilly? Because winter isn't just about freezing toes and higher power bills, it’s a whole vibe and a full-blown excuse to slow down.
It isn’t about big plans or perfect insta photos. It’s about heartfelt moments, cozy rituals, and small joys that quietly warm you from the inside out.
So, I’ve gathered 10 actually doable, simple, and slightly silly ideas to make this winter feel just a little more magical.
1. Follow Your Heart – Take a Little Road Trip Solo or with Family or Friends
You are lonely and your basil is now your emotional support herb.
You’re mostly just trying to get some fresh air before your house plants stage an intervention. Take the scenic route, stop at every antique store, buy a pot of locally made jam, and eat pastries from a bakery that only takes cash and feels like a time warp. Your heart (and probably your Instagram feed) will thank you.
2. Host a “Soup-er” Night
Dress code: UGG boots encouraged, judgement-free zone
You bought too many veggies, and this is your way of avoiding food waste before they die a slow death in the fridge. Invite a few friends over and make different soups to share. Bonus points if everyone brings their own blanket like it’s a fashion statement. Add board games and mismatched mugs and suddenly you’ve turned cold weather into a Soup-er celebration.
3. Go Stargazing in the Cold
Nature’s version of high definition (minus the Wi-Fi and subscription fee)
Bundle up, pack a thermos, blankets, and drive out somewhere dark. Just don’t forget the socks and keep your heart warm. Bonus points for lying on the bonnet of your car and pretending you’re watching a moody indie film at a retro 80’s drive-in (dramatic stare into the sky optional).
4. DIY Hot Chocolate Bar
Hot choc, cold toes, warm soul - because therapy is expensive.
Create your own hot chocolate bar at home, invite a few friends over or enjoy your masterpiece. Essentials include:
- Marshmallows (the more, the merrier)
- Steamy milk
- A dash of cinnamon
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream (obviously)
- A sneaky shot of Baileys (purely medicinal)
- Fireplace + Marshmallows = Actual Heaven.
5. Pizza & Pyjama Night
Evening Debate: Should pineapple on pizza be illegal?
No one regrets pizza in winter. Invite friends, wear your fluffiest PJs (oodie?), order your favourite pizza (or make your own if you’re feeling like you are on Master Chef), and line up your comfort movies. It’s affordable, heartwarming, and carbs are basically emotional support.
Sometimes, your heart just needs melted cheese with zero expectations. Add hot chips and a soda with a scoop of ice cream and suddenly you're nine years old again – in the best way.
6. Heart Unplugged Reading Time
Turns out, the real page-turner isn’t on your screen.
Accidentally drop your phone behind the couch and go tech-free for a night. Light a candle, grab a blanket, and escape into another world for a few chapters (or hours). No notifications, no scrolling or swiping just you and a storyline that doesn’t involve emails or power bills. Heartfelt Bliss.
7. Handwrite a Letter (to Anyone) or Start a Journal
Yes, with an actual pen, not your phone’s ‘notes’ app!
Handwritten notes are a lost art, and winter is the perfect excuse to bring them back. Send one to your partner, your grandma, your barista, your teacher or a colleague.
Thinking about taking up calligraphy? Warning: it’s dangerously addictive and may lead to excessive fancy handwriting and doodling.
If journaling’s your vibe, jot down one moment a day that made your heart lighter - a funny conversation, a perfect cup of tea or your weekend dreams. No judgment - this is your heart’s highlight reel.
8. Build a Blanket Fort (No Kids Needed)
We’re grown-ups - who pay bills and can build forts whenever we want.
Stack your couch cushions, use your dining table, hang some fairy lights, and turn your living room into a whimsical little cave of comfort. Add snacks, streaming, and suddenly you're living the winter dream. If anyone judges you, they’re just jealous they didn’t think of it first.
9. Go Ice-Skating and Dance Like It’s the 1980s
Like a newborn giraffe on ice - gracefully clumsy and having the best time ever.
Hunt down one of the last ice-skating rinks standing and pack thick socks. Whether you’re spinning like a champ or just hanging on for dear life - laugh at yourself, hold hands with someone cute, glide along to Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, or Wham - and if you don’t know them, consider this your crash course in the coolest ‘80s vibes (sorry, not sorry). Leg warmers optional but encouraged.
10. Give a Compliment a Day
Kindness: the ultimate winter accessory
To round out the top 10 - make it your mission to give one compliment a day for all of July - whether it’s “Nice scarf!” or “You make winter feel less like a punishment,” brighten someone’s day. Costs nothing and warms your heart. You never know whose inner thermostat you're turning up with just a few kind words.
To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold ~ Aristotle
To truly appreciate something beautiful (like a snowflake) we often have to embrace a little discomfort or challenge. The most meaningful moments in life don’t always come easy. Sometimes it takes effort (like planning a spontaneous road trip), patience (like surviving a heated pineapple-on-pizza debate), or courage (like inviting friends over for a DIY hot chocolate night when you're a proud introvert).
Winter doesn’t have to be just about surviving the cold, give your heart what it needs.
Sending you hugs with your hot chocolate ❤️
Danielle xo
(P.S. Know someone who needs this reminder? Send it to a friend who could use a little warmth this winter).