Wintering with elegance: comfort, peace and warming power

You can feel it already, can't you? That colder, darker breath – winter is coming, literally knocking on the window.

And I know what's going on in your head. -No, we're not going to discuss Game of Thrones, even if we could 😋 It's more like this: „"Oh, those short days again... Should I be devastated or excited?"“

But we, big girls, know one thing: we slow down – we don’t collapse anymore. After all, we’ve survived December, January and February so many times that we can handle this one without a hitch, and with infinite elegance! And a maxi scarf 😉

It's not about surviving winter, it's about falling in love with it. And enjoying it! Let's do it.

So... remember: we are still part of nature! And nature tells us that it rests in winter! We are also under the influence of cycles like our ancestors, like animals, trees and everything around us. When it gets dark early, it is no coincidence that we do not feel like doing anything... which of course corporations and extra-mega supermarkets do not understand!

In winter, our levels of serotonin (a hormone for mood and sleep) decrease and melatonin, which makes us sleepy, increases. Our body is asking for peace!

Don't shout that silent call. Just grab the softest blanket, pull on the warmest socks, and brew the strongest hot tea (or mulled wine, just take it easy). Allow yourself to be slow, lazy... I've been saying that since autumn. „"cot weather"“😍❣❤

Hygge is a Danish word that denotes a state of coziness, well-being and contentment, often associated with the art of enjoying small joys in a pleasant atmosphere..❤

You know what I love? Those little details that make a home a home. It's freezing outside, but it's warm and cozy inside - that's exactly what Hygge is.

Our mothers turned on the lights, we light candles. Their warm glow and flickering flames are so cozy and peaceful. It's a small detail, but it works. It always takes me back to my childhood, to safety, to my grandmother's...

And what about eternal golden lights? Let them brighten the night. I now put them in flower pots. Just like that. For joy. Or wrapped around the trunk of an apple tree, inside, outside, anywhere. They brighten up even the most ordinary corner.

But we don't want to hide inside for a whole month. Fresh air is medicine. But you know what will help you enjoy going outside? Clothes for joy!

I call it a „dopamine bandage“ – reacquaint yourself with your winter wardrobe: sweaters that look like clouds, boots, hats, scarves. Wear something that makes you feel good and strong. And feel free to smile at yourself in the window. I love these fluffy, soft, warm and furry things, clothes, blankets and pillows

Go for a walk. Listen to the crunch of leaves and maybe even snow under your feet, and watch your breath release into the fresh air. That feeling of the air stinging your face and the warmth of the pale sun – it's magic. The more layers, the more courage to stay outside longer! Not for me, I wouldn't be an Arctic explorer, but a nice walk would be, especially when I'm packed like a pumper 😉

And don't forget: You may not be in the mountains, but morning light helps regulate our biological clocks. Let's get outside for a bit of light and air during the day. Just don't forget about vitamin D between October and March, the sun is no longer enough for that.

It's almost time for "„IN“" (no, it's not a vendetta😂) – the one that can really exhaust us. But we're going to try something different this year, right? Try giving yourself the best Christmas present: plan a time when you won't do anything!

Decorate your home with branches – evergreens like holly or mistletoe reflect the ancient belief in a symbol of new life that will defeat winter. Plant bulbs indoors as a colorful and fragrant promise of spring. The smell of baking and time spent with friends – it’s all pleasant.

From the winter solstice on December 21st, the days start to get longer again. Every January I write little plans – what I'll plant in the garden, who I want to see, where I'll go. Not for performance. Just for the joy.

Use this time to take care of yourself. Whether it's creating, reading, or just watching the sunset. Even a little bit of sky is exactly what we need sometimes. This will avoid the shock when you suddenly realize it's already dark.

I love when the day starts slowly and everything falls into place. The smell of coffee, the peace – that exact moment when the world makes sense. We are a blooming species too. Sometimes we just need a moment of silence, like a seed waiting under the snow, before we can light up again!

My diary and I – a little haven for big girls