Thank you for your honesty about winter! I feel the tinge of bitterness too and have felt like a curmudgeon the past few years. Like, what's wrong with me that everyone loves this time of year and I do not!?
You already mentioned this, but whenever I'm feeling crabby about the winter hassle or the holiday hassle (I don't love hassle😂) I do try to focus on how grateful winter makes me for the other seasons--and it really does--I wouldn't appreciate going barefoot in our backyard or running outdoors in just shorts and a tank nearly as much without the inability to do these things in winter:).
Also, we're in Colorado, which means that we get so many sunny days, even in winter--and the snow makes the mountains even more magical.
I have the Hygge Home book on hold at the library! It seems helpful.
Wonderful list. btw. I'm adding Winter Candle and Snow Globe Family to our collection!
I'm glad I'm not the only one, Katie! And I love reframing winter with a sense of gratitude. You're so right. Those first few days of spring are balm to the soul *because* of winter!
So glad you found some new books to read this winter!
It really is! I moved here from the midwest 17 years ago (can't believe its been that long!) and still feel this overwhelming sense of awe when I see the mountains in the distance--we're in Denver, so not far from good skiing and hiking. I hear Washington is beautiful, but have never been.
I am too a PBS masterpiece junkie and I share mixed feelings about winter. The best thing I have done for myself is invest in really good gloves. My kids do like to play outside in the winter which is a good thing, and not because I despise putting gloves on kids, they take them off immediately and then request them to be put back on...
So many of these look great! We're just now starting to get some "cold" weather so I don't have the best tips. I love the cold! We always have candles burning. That's my greatest advice when it comes to wintering. It makes the darkness bearable and more cozy.
Any candles you'd recommend? Also, I just realized that all the candles I have are scented and if I light up a bunch of them, we'll be walking away hygge-less and with migraines 😅
I like something coffee-scented in the winter BUT we also got some flameless tapers this year that came with a remote, timer, and flicker. They're wax-covered and it's amazing how realistic they look. They set the mood without the fumes. I'd highly recommend looking into them. I got this set of 4 in the 11" size: https://www.lights.com/infinity-wick-ivory-taper-candles-p-40960.html
12 books!!! Owl moon is an absolute favorite of ours, and I can’t wait to check out the rest! Cold Snap and Snow both call to me from their covers alone.
Stay warm? Live in Texas. You’ll sweat through the holiday season 😂 🤠. I’m fixing to travel back to WA state for a quick trip and I’ve literally forgotten how to stay warm in even the 40 degree situation that is the PNW. How is this my life!
I hope you have fun baking and being horizontal, both such lovely holiday activities!
Wow wow wow, Sri, what an incredible roundup! There are so many gems here (and a few that are new to me, which is getting harder and harder and that I deeply appreciate 😊)
Tips and tricks for staying warm outside: 1) MOVE. If you're just standing there, you're going to freeze. (If you're on ice, I cannot overstate the importance of this, along with proper footwear. If your feet get cold in your boots, forget it, you might as well head inside. This is not the time to look cool or be fashionable; get something that keeps your feet warm.) 2) I dress my kids the same way I dress myself -- I focus on keeping the core warm. So, base layer head to toe, then wool sweaters or a down vest over our clothes/under our coats. Snowpants and outerwear, plus good waterproof mittens and again, boots. If we're talking skin-freezing temperatures -- anything legitimately below zero, or a windchill under 10 -- I make them wear a scarf or neck warmer (I wear this every day because I find it helps keep out the chill like nothing else) and they choose whether or not to pull it up over their faces. It's a production. And I also refuse to just stay inside and rot, or let my kids do that, either.
Thank you so much, Sarah! Glad you find a few new titles. I feel like discovering new titles just makes me hungrier for more.
And I love your tips on staying warm. You're so right, protecting your core is everything! Are your kids good about keeping things on? That's where I've been running into some trouble (although mine is a toddler and generally contrary haha).
Now, yes. They're 7 and 9yo so this isn't much of an issue. But when they were toddlers, also contrary, it only took a time or two of NOT keeping things on for them to learn that it's too cold to mess around like that. I tried to reason with them and then just let natural consequences take over. No one lost any fingers 😂
Ahhhh, Hygge. I love a cuddle by the fireplace with candles and tea and a little PBS Masterpiece Theatre! Once again, thanks for the great suggestions. I love your lists!
that's wonderful ! I used to write about kids books more often when my two kids were younger - they are now teens, but I still keep an eye on children's section at book stores. You are doing a wonderful job spotlighting children's literature - and may more kids continue reading actual books!
"I knew winter had arrived when I could see past the skeleton trees onto the hill below." Great line! ...They really do look like skeleton trees, some with a few meager brown leaves still clutching the branches and falling off pitifully in the wind.
Thank you for your honesty about winter! I feel the tinge of bitterness too and have felt like a curmudgeon the past few years. Like, what's wrong with me that everyone loves this time of year and I do not!?
You already mentioned this, but whenever I'm feeling crabby about the winter hassle or the holiday hassle (I don't love hassle😂) I do try to focus on how grateful winter makes me for the other seasons--and it really does--I wouldn't appreciate going barefoot in our backyard or running outdoors in just shorts and a tank nearly as much without the inability to do these things in winter:).
Also, we're in Colorado, which means that we get so many sunny days, even in winter--and the snow makes the mountains even more magical.
I have the Hygge Home book on hold at the library! It seems helpful.
Wonderful list. btw. I'm adding Winter Candle and Snow Globe Family to our collection!
I'm glad I'm not the only one, Katie! And I love reframing winter with a sense of gratitude. You're so right. Those first few days of spring are balm to the soul *because* of winter!
So glad you found some new books to read this winter!
Colorado is so beautiful! We lived in eastern Washington for a few years, similar climate to parts of CO. Loved the dry, sunny, cold winter air.
It really is! I moved here from the midwest 17 years ago (can't believe its been that long!) and still feel this overwhelming sense of awe when I see the mountains in the distance--we're in Denver, so not far from good skiing and hiking. I hear Washington is beautiful, but have never been.
I am too a PBS masterpiece junkie and I share mixed feelings about winter. The best thing I have done for myself is invest in really good gloves. My kids do like to play outside in the winter which is a good thing, and not because I despise putting gloves on kids, they take them off immediately and then request them to be put back on...
Haha been there 😅. You’ve inspired me to get a nice glove set as a way to perk up spirits for the cold winters. TY!
So many of these look great! We're just now starting to get some "cold" weather so I don't have the best tips. I love the cold! We always have candles burning. That's my greatest advice when it comes to wintering. It makes the darkness bearable and more cozy.
Any candles you'd recommend? Also, I just realized that all the candles I have are scented and if I light up a bunch of them, we'll be walking away hygge-less and with migraines 😅
I like something coffee-scented in the winter BUT we also got some flameless tapers this year that came with a remote, timer, and flicker. They're wax-covered and it's amazing how realistic they look. They set the mood without the fumes. I'd highly recommend looking into them. I got this set of 4 in the 11" size: https://www.lights.com/infinity-wick-ivory-taper-candles-p-40960.html
Thank you! This looks like exactly what I need!
12 books!!! Owl moon is an absolute favorite of ours, and I can’t wait to check out the rest! Cold Snap and Snow both call to me from their covers alone.
Stay warm? Live in Texas. You’ll sweat through the holiday season 😂 🤠. I’m fixing to travel back to WA state for a quick trip and I’ve literally forgotten how to stay warm in even the 40 degree situation that is the PNW. How is this my life!
I hope you have fun baking and being horizontal, both such lovely holiday activities!
Owl moon touches something deep inside for me everytime we read it. Thanks for reminding me of one of my fave children's books!
Owl Moon is truly something special!
Haha! A few friends moved to TX and I can't imagine a better time to visit than February lol
Truly!! February can be great! Pack your swimsuit and your puffy coat and come on down.
Wow wow wow, Sri, what an incredible roundup! There are so many gems here (and a few that are new to me, which is getting harder and harder and that I deeply appreciate 😊)
Tips and tricks for staying warm outside: 1) MOVE. If you're just standing there, you're going to freeze. (If you're on ice, I cannot overstate the importance of this, along with proper footwear. If your feet get cold in your boots, forget it, you might as well head inside. This is not the time to look cool or be fashionable; get something that keeps your feet warm.) 2) I dress my kids the same way I dress myself -- I focus on keeping the core warm. So, base layer head to toe, then wool sweaters or a down vest over our clothes/under our coats. Snowpants and outerwear, plus good waterproof mittens and again, boots. If we're talking skin-freezing temperatures -- anything legitimately below zero, or a windchill under 10 -- I make them wear a scarf or neck warmer (I wear this every day because I find it helps keep out the chill like nothing else) and they choose whether or not to pull it up over their faces. It's a production. And I also refuse to just stay inside and rot, or let my kids do that, either.
Thank you so much, Sarah! Glad you find a few new titles. I feel like discovering new titles just makes me hungrier for more.
And I love your tips on staying warm. You're so right, protecting your core is everything! Are your kids good about keeping things on? That's where I've been running into some trouble (although mine is a toddler and generally contrary haha).
Now, yes. They're 7 and 9yo so this isn't much of an issue. But when they were toddlers, also contrary, it only took a time or two of NOT keeping things on for them to learn that it's too cold to mess around like that. I tried to reason with them and then just let natural consequences take over. No one lost any fingers 😂
Ahhhh, Hygge. I love a cuddle by the fireplace with candles and tea and a little PBS Masterpiece Theatre! Once again, thanks for the great suggestions. I love your lists!
You get it! I will be thinking of you whenever I next see Laura Linney on the screen 😂
And thank you so much for the compliment. I love doing these lists and I'm so glad you find them valuable.
kids books are just such joy - I still love reading some of them myself
Same! It’s why I had to start this newsletter. To share my love for them!
that's wonderful ! I used to write about kids books more often when my two kids were younger - they are now teens, but I still keep an eye on children's section at book stores. You are doing a wonderful job spotlighting children's literature - and may more kids continue reading actual books!
what a cute book selection!
Thank you! I had so much fun putting it together.
"I knew winter had arrived when I could see past the skeleton trees onto the hill below." Great line! ...They really do look like skeleton trees, some with a few meager brown leaves still clutching the branches and falling off pitifully in the wind.
The last few holdouts of Fall! 🍂