grace grits and gardening

ramblings from an arkansas farm girl

10 Ways to Welcome Winter

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10 Ways to Welcome WinterToday I’m sharing 10 (surefire) ways to welcome winter. What, you aren’t a winter person? I suspect this post is just what Frosty ordered to help you see the weeks ahead in a different light.

Yes, in the northern hemisphere, the first day of winter arrives this Saturday. December 21 is winter solstice, the shortest day of the year (and the longest night). I celebrate the beginning of each season, but winter solstice feels particularly special to me—as magical as that first snowfall of the year.

Soon, we will begin to notice more light.

Gardeners and farmers in particular rejoice in this, (not that I’m omniscient in my knowledge of gardeners or farmers, or anyone for that matter)…

Welcoming winter with peace and grace is the perfect way to end the year and welcome the next. And I truly believe the quiet, positive energy we give off radiates to those around us.

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How to Hibernate

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Hibernation Mode

This time of year all I want to do is hibernate. I wish I could disappear underneath a cozy quilt and read book after book after book with breaks to snooze along to Christmas movies, old ones like White Christmas, and maybe drink steaming hot soup from a coffee mug. Even though I LOVE winter and wouldn’t dare want to miss it, I’m a little envious of the animals who burrow inside toasty dens and wake to spring.

True animal hibernation is about conservation of energy, not sleep. My version of hibernation is about self care—sleeping and resting and escaping. It’s a time-out away from the busy-ness of life, especially during the holidays when invitations and commitments seem to align one after another.

Last weekend I hibernated on Saturday. And I plan to do it again whenever I can, an afternoon here or a snow day there. I would love to have an entire WEEK of hibernation, preferably in a well-stocked cabin in the woods (with high thread count sheets and a fireplace). Hibernation is not about roughing it. Not in my world.Continue Reading

This Time of Year

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This time of year.

I love love love this time of year. This time of year right before Christmas. This time of year when the days are pale and cold, and the bundling up to go for a walk takes as long as the walk itself.

Yesterday, I read half a book and napped on the couch underneath blankets. Two warm schnauzers curled next to me. I felt a little under the weather, a little tired, a little like maybe I needed to hibernate the afternoon away. So I did. Dreaming away the cold. Sunday afternoon is good for that.Continue Reading

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