Blue Monday. The dampness and drabness. Empty bank accounts. The gloomiest month of the year. Everything I see and read about January each year makes me think that I am possibly the only person in the world who enjoys January.
Actually like is the wrong word. I love January. I look forward to it, and I have good reason to. In my family it is the birthday month – there’s a birthday a week for the whole month. Now I understand that not everyone in the world can love January just because of my birthday, but I can name you a few more reasons to love January.
Slowness
Christmas and the run up to it are behind us. The holidays are over but a slower pace of life is acceptable. Take advantage of the fact that the world is temporatily running at a slower pace. Take the time to read, go for a walk, leave the office on time or have a lazy weekend.
A Fresh Start
Whatever has happened in the previous year, I always have the feeling in January that I can start afresh. Yes, there may be appointments to keep and commitments to work and other things, but there is still a lot of unplanned time in the year ahead. Time that can be filled with fulfilling dreams, big or small.
Plain Old Cosiness
The days are somewhat drab, the evenings are dark and it is most definitely still winter, the cosiest time of the year. Candles, twinkly lights, throws and hot drinks, all minus santas, reindeer and Christmas trees are perfectly acceptable in January. Spring isn’t raising its pretty little head just yet, so why not settle down on the couch with a hot port or drinking chocolate, a snug rug and a good read while scented candles flicker and fairy lights twinkle around you.
Hearty Dinners
While there is still a chill in the air, there isn’t much that is more satisfying than a warm, hearty meal, whether as a late lunch or in the dark of the evening. Slow cooked joints of meat, stuffed vine leaves, stew with dumplings, a roast chicken, bean casserole and minestrone soup are some of my favourite makes in winter. There’s not need for much fussing about and it is as easy to cook these for two people as it is for ten, making them ideal for supper with friends or family, especially if you open a nice bottle of red to go along with it.
Lovely, positive post Fionnuala! I love the idea of hot port. Also, that bean casserole looks delicious! x #HomeEtc
Oh Lizzie have you never had hot port? DELICIOUS! Try it. The recipe for the bean casserole is on my other blog. I’ll pop in a link here with the recipe.
Personally I love January (it’s Feb that I don’t really like) I really enjoy the time to reflect and the energy I get after a good week off at Christmas. I’ll have to employ your tips for when February rolls around!
After a break away from Linky Parties it’s great to be back on the #HomeEtc bandwagon!
Nancy
http://www.hellonancy.co.uk
I can assure you, these tips work just as well in February too 🙂 Thanks for popping by. I’m delighted #HomeEtc is back.
Oh I definitely like the food and the cosiness and the slowness, but I can’t quite admit to being a fan of January. But I”m glad someone is! 🙂 Happy 2017 x #homeetc
Happy 2017 to you too Stephanie. May it be a good one!
I love January too Fionnuala! I’m with you on the hot port, candles, taking life a little more slowly. I love not having a constant Christmas to do list on my
mind! K x
One less thing to think about, right?
I have definitely enjoyed January so far. There’s a sense of hope that seems to be greater than any other time of the year. The anticipation of all the good things that will come throughout the year seem to welcome us to the year with joy. Great post! So glad to have found your blog.
I totally agree. Thanks for popping by. I’m really pleased you like what you’ve seen here.
Just what I needed to read, thank you! I’m one of those who feels depressed in January, but you’re right, it’s perfectly acceptable to by all cosy, I might get my fairy lights out again 🙂
#HomeEtc
Do! I have two sets still up, a copper wire one and one with hearts made of bark – atmosphere but not Christmassy. Happy January to yuo Sabrina!
I like a fresh new start too. Yes it’s miserable and long but I tend to plan lots in to feel citing about.
Great to be back again with #HomeEtc for another year! Welcome back, we’ve missed it! Jess xx
So glad that #HomeEtc is back!
What a beautiful post. I felt warm & fuzzy inside while reading it ❤️ I too love January and have a positive outlook on it. You might enjoy my recent blog post about “Blue Monday” http://wp.me/p70sjl-5V
Oh that is so nice to hear! I’ll pop over and check out your post too.
ah, this is a lovely post and just what I needed. I always struggle with January and I’ve been coming up with ideas to make it better. These are all fab. Enjoy all the birthdays! #homeetc
Aw, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you get to enjoy the remainder of January too.
I love these ideas. I am enjoying the slower pace. Its so nice to have a quiet weekend.
#HomeEtc
Thanks! I’m enjoying the slower pace too and think I might just keep it up for the remainder of the year 🙂
I hear about with the clearing away of the decorations. I find it sad every year. But hey, onwards and upwards. Spring is on the way so we might as well make the most of the remainder of winter while we wait.
Me too. It is so full of hope and possibility.