I can’t tell you how many people I’ve talked to who are already bracing themselves for the winter months ahead. I can’t blame them. Winter can be a dark time literally and emotionally. Fear not! Emmanuel, our Lord and Savior is with us through all seasons. And an opportunity to cultivate community is just an invite away. Here’s some cheer and some ideas for gathering this wintertime…

Ingredients for a good Hygge Party

Well first off, you might be asking yourself, what the-hey-who is Hygge? Well, I’ll tell you. It’s a Danish term meaning…“It’s the quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).” OR “The feeling of coziness and contentment evoked by simple comforts, as being wrapped in a blanket, having good conversations, enjoying food, etc.”

I can’t imagine a better winter party than a HYGGE PARTY! My sister went to one just a few weeks ago and I was legitimately-jelly.

Comfortable Clothing

(think the “best sleepover of your life” with a pinch of “Kanye swagger”)

2. Slippers + woolly socks

(The more worn in the better)

3. Fireplace + Candles

(If you don’t have a fireplace, pull up a digital one on your smartphone or TV)

4. Warm Beverages + Favorite Mugs

(We LOVE hot toddies in the wintertime)

5. Favorite Holiday Songs

(I love the Little Women soundtrack and the Charlie Brown Christmas songs)

6. Your favorite people

(You know who you are ;)

Ingredients for a FireSide Party

We just have to get more comfortable hanging outside in all weather. Period. It’s more fun than you think…unless incredibly windy then it’s a no go. As long as the guests know what they are getting themselves into the night can be a blast if everyone buys into embracing the cold and enjoying a good fire.

1. Firepit

(Borrow your neighbors' firepit too so you have a few warm locations)

2. Firewood

(Ask a friend to bring an extra bundle or two instead of drinks to share)

3. Matches + Kindling

(Have this ready to go when people arrive)

4. Drinks

(Have a crockpot in the garage going with hot cider or wassail. Bring your electric kettle out for hot toddies, etc. And, of course, BYOB style).

5. Blankets + Space Heater + Extras

(Get creative about additional warm elements you can have around to make guests comfortable. Back in the Civil War era people used to bake potatoes to keep themselves warm when they walked in the cold or rode in their buggies – still a good idea!)

6. Twinkle lights etc.

(The fire itself will be cozy but it’s an added bonus if you can string up spare Christmas lights that didn’t make it onto the tree. Having a flashlight or lanterns can be helpful, too.)

Ingredients for a Caroling Party

Not Christmas anymore? Who cares! Let’s sings! This might seem like a very old-fashioned kind of party but it's time to revive this old gem gathering. The old hymns, old gospel tunes and favorite carols are full of beautiful poetry and stirring melodies, not to mention powerful truths that our future generations should hold on to in hard seasons.

1. A singing leader

(It’s always good to have someone to get the party started and the rest will follow)

2. Song List

(Choose familiar songs beforehand and print the lyrics OR borrow hymnals from your church)

3. Location

(Decide the neighborhood you are going to travel from house to house and sing for. Sing one – two songs at each house)

4. Ending the night

(When I was young we always ended the night at our house or a friends house with holiday treats, drinks and games)

Ingredients for Night Walks

In the winter we just have to embrace the dark nights. A surprisingly nice part of our weekly routine last year was going on evening walks right after dinner. We abandoned our dinner mess, put on all the needed layers to embrace the cold, grabbed our lanterns, a cookie and went out into the dark.

Warmest clothes

(Even if you think you won't need it. Grab your mittens, hats, scarves, etc.)

2. Flash Lights, Lanterns and Headlamps

(My three-year-old LOVES getting all our light gear ready for night walks. Especially that headlamp that she only gets to wear for our winter night walks)

3. Transportation

(If you have small kids it’s nice to take along the stroller or wagon in case they decide they are done before the walk is)

4. Sweet Treat

(If your desserts for the night are carriable, bring them along! Or bring a cup of hot cocoa along with you)

Ingredients for Winter Play Dates

It’s one thing to play outside on a snowy day but I think we need to start normalizing outdoor play dates in the wintertime here in the States. The health benefits both physically and mentally are so vital. A few years ago we were introduced to 1,000 Hours Outside and haven’t looked back. Check them out!

1. Snow Suit

(Even if it’s not snowing I typically put my gal in the whole snowsuit if it’s 40 degrees or below)

2. Hot Coffee

(Have someone make a full pot of hot coffee. Transport it into a thermos or keep it in an insulated coffee craft. Hot things taste the best when it’s cold out)

3. Blankets

(Someone at some point is gonna want one)

4. Hot Soup

(If it’s close to lunch, volunteer to bring soup in a crockpot and have someone else bring bread. Broccoli and cheese soup is one of my favs)

Winter Desires & Routines

I’m starting a list of my desires for the winter months and some routines that I want to put into place. A big part of entering into the winter months is having a positive mindset and having things to look forward to. So here’s my shortlist…

Sledding Outing with Friends

Winter Reading Goals

Planning for the Spring (home projects, gardening, travel plans etc.)

3PM Coffee & Treat

Feeding the Birds + Bird Watching

Snail Mail + Art to Grandparents

Working Out Regularly with Friends

Meditation and Scripture Memorization

Outdoor Playdates + Home Made Chia

My hope for you this winter is that you enjoy the days that God has planned for you in advance. He is going to take care of your heart this winter season. Be that a literal winter experience or a dark night of the soul. I encourage you to reach out to others and don’t be afraid to initiate gatherings with new and old friends. Ask the Lord, “How would you have me cultivate community in this season? What does that look like in this season? How do you want me to love my neighbor? How can I serve the widow, the orphan and those who need a friend in this season? Ask the Lord and see what he says!

God bless your 2022 winter time.

Love,

- Sarah