You might be wondering what there is to enjoy during this dark, cold, gloomy time of year. Well if you’re anything like me, you enjoy the blustery weather, the damp gray clouds, and more hours of darkness (and if you’re not, check out my tips on ways to add a bit more Hygge). So you won’t be surprised if my wintery obsessions consist of a land literally named for its darkness and gloom, films set in the coldest of temps, and discovering all the magic nature can offer if we’re willing to embrace it.

Scotland

Twenty years ago I was living in London as a brand-new adult in the world, studying writing and poetry. I attended a Robert Burns Day celebration, complete with haggis, scotch, and traditional Highland dances until 2 in the morning. The following year, I spent three weeks in Scotland, seeing everything from Edinburgh to a haunted hostel in Inverness (more on that in a future post). So a return trip has been in the works for 2021 to see it all again, just before I hit the big 4-0.

Recently I began watching Outlander, the television series based on fantasy-romance novels set in 18th century Scotland. The sweeping landscapes and beautiful language had me searching for the notebook I carried along on my trip to compare the places I’d been to what I was seeing on screen. Turns out, I had actually been to Colloden Moor and Clava Cairns, the stones featured in the show (as Craigh na Dun). All the reminiscing has me planning next summer’s trip already, and itching for more Scotland-set films like Braveheart, Highlander, and Outlaw King.

Winter Movies

Speaking of movies, this is the time of year when it’s good to cozy up in a warm blanket and have fun indoors. So for me that means a lot of movies, and I’ve started to put together a list of some of the best wintery movies to enjoy when it’s icy cold out.

Here are a few of my favorites: The Fugitive, Fargo, Amadeus, Ex Machina, Misery, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Better off Dead, Coming to America, and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (which also happens to feature much of the Scottish Highlands, including the same castle used for Lallybroch in Outlander). What are some of your go-to cold weather films?

The Seasonal Soul

Since we’re talking winter, my latest obsession is all about seasons and what they mean for our health and happiness. I picked up this amazing book and immediately felt like the author was speaking directly to me. 

When we begin to realize that we, like mother nature, live life in seasons, we can give ourselves the best opportunity to be healthier, happier, more successful, because we aren’t constantly fighting against the tide, so to speak. Allowing our bodies rest when the entirety of nature is doing the same thing is imperative to our physical and mental wellbeing. Plus it sets us up to be ready for action come spring and summer.

With journaling prompts, beautiful artwork, and great self-care tips that have me upgrading my stay-at-home spa days (along with the infrared sauna I got for Christmas), this book gives me exactly the answers— and grace— I need, when I need it. And a little bit of old world magic the Highlanders hold so dear.

“Winter is the ending and the beginning all at once.”

The Seasonal Soul