Spring is wonderful for its pastel colours, summer is enchanting for its drawn-out evenings and autumn is perfect for its dusting of leaves and crunchy texture. But what about winter? The only time of the year when we can relish in being warm, cosy and full of comfort food.
If you can relate to any of these, you're a winter person at heart…
1. You can't wait to wear your winter wardrobe.
As much as you enjoy floaty, summer dresses, you'd much rather throw on a wool jumper and a fleece-lined jacket. It's easier, takes less preparation and is oh so comfortable.
2. You find the cold invigorating
Some may complain about the chill but you, with your trusty gloves and go-to scarf, find the cold air leaves you awake, refreshed and revitalised.
3. There's nothing more beautiful than an untouched morning frost
The silver sparkle that clings to every edge of nature – the leaves, grass, flowers and trees – is tranquil and serene… until the dog crunches his way through the fields in front.
4. Your slow cooker is a big part of the family
Casseroles, stews and soups are the only warming, hearty, homemade foods you need to warm your stomach.
5. Followed by a hot chocolate or mulled wine
It's the season when hot drinks really come into their own and the only time it's ok to give your favourite hot drink an extra kick with your favourite shot.
6. There's less pressure to be out and about
And zero guilt about staying in under a hand-knitted blanket with the fire blazing.
7. Unless it's an evening in the local country pub
The only place that combines the last three points (hot drinks, fire and food!) under one buzzing roof. The perfect place to catch up with friends, meet for book club or the obligatory pub quiz.
8. It's the warm up to Christmas
And you begin to feel the glow of festivity building inside you like your own internal log fire. Best start that Christmas shopping list.
9. And you plan your trips to Christmas markets
Thank you, Germany, for your wonderful, festive delights! These are our favourite markets.
10. We feel thankful
It's the time of year when we appreciate those around us and feel thankful for our friends and family. A great excuse for another catch up over mulled wine…
11. You can look forward to a new year
With new possibilities, opportunities and challenges. It's the best time to reflect on the year gone by and the lessons we've learnt.
12. It's time to plan your resolution
Choose something realistic and meaningful that will make your's or someone else's life better.
Emma-Louise Pritchard is the Membership Director for Country Living UK & House Beautiful UK, previously Executive Digital Editor for Country Living UK. Emma-Louise is a digital expert specialising in content strategy, social media and newsletters. Her topics include sustainability, homes and interiors, gardening, health and wellbeing, pets, travel and countryside news. She has previously written for Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan and has won several awards, from AOP Digital Editor of the Year 2019 to PPA 30 Under 30. Emma-Louise studied at Cardiff University where she completed an MA in Magazine Journalism.
