Hello…thanks for stopping by my blog. If you have visited here before (and it would not even have to be often), I would not be surprised if you already know my opinion about winter. Most folks do as I tend to wear my “heart on my sleeve” when in comes to our current season. I’m not a fan. So, as I read over this week’s questions for the Hodge Podge link-up, I was a bit hesitant. There seemed to be a winter theme going on. Sigh. I knew, at first glance, my answers were not going to be popular and, while swimming upstream against popular opinion can be necessary at times, it did not seem fun for blog conversation. And, that aside, my post was going to be…well, negative. I am (truthfully) trying to work on my attitude over here.
I’m not sure it was a specific resolution but I am still very much in the “things that need to improve and/or change in the months ahead” phase of 2026. An improved attitude is definitely on the list. Not only more (natural) gratitude, but less cynicsim as well. Less of a critical heart. More of a sweet spirit and attitude of gentle joy. And all this in January!! Yes, it’s a challenge for your girl.
So, I thought it best to lay aside the Hodge Podge questions. This one is probably left to all the cozy fireplace snugglers:) But, in order to put my best attitude forward, I decided to list a few favorites. Not about winter, in general, but specfically about January. And not one or two….but five. (Ok, that might be pushing it but let’s give it a try.)
ONE – much less of a need to clean. Well, to be correct, the need is there. I just don’t feel the need to get it done. Come spring, I am so motivated to scrub, wipe down, dust and just plain clean everything. And I enjoy it. In Januray, I can actually pass time watching dust collect on the coffee table – with zero remorse for allowing it stay there. Yesterday I was cleaning the kitchen cabinet (I’m not a total mess) and noticed the sad state of the kitchen blinds. How do they get so grimey? I have to confess…I walked right past those blinds. My spring self will have those looking brand new. In a couple of months. In January, it will be dark before dinner and who is even going to notice??
TWO – fewer crowds in the stores. Fewer crowds even at the Chick Fil A:) And, well, fewer crowds most everywhere around here. Mind you, there is still way more traffic than anyone needs. And plenty of people. Plenty. But somehow, the crowds thin out and people somehow manage not to all be at the same place at the same time – like they are in December. And I’m okay with that.
THREE – a lot less “stuff” at the store. I am specifically thinking about our local consignment store. A place where I really enjoy wandering on random winter afternoons. I enjoy the wandering more than the finding a treasure. Although, that is fun too. However, during the holidays, it is so completely full to overflowing. There is little room for walking, much less wandering. It literally makes me jumpy and completely takes all the fun out of browsing for treasure. I ventured in, for the first time in weeks, one day last week. There was space – plenty of space – in my little happy place. Hooray. And I went home with some new (to me) measuring cups:)
FOUR – much fewer visits to Starbucks. Which I don’t even really enjoy. I just, somehow, get “sucked in” by the aroma (and other creative advertising) for special holiday drinks. It starts back in the fall with the pumpkin spice (yes, I am a fan) and, by the time peppermint season rolls around, I am hooked. No self control. But this is January. The holiday drinks have been retired and, honestly, I am quite happy with my own hot drinks made at home. Starbucks has lost its appeal. I do enjoy our local coffee shop. It is cute. I enjoy meeting friends there but even that has not happened once (yet) in January.
FIVE – Bible stories and Bible study. Ladies’ Bible study resumed yesterday. It is always one of my favorite things in January. You will not believe the name of the book/study that we started. Anchored. Yes, as in, ANCHORED – my word and focus for this new year. That cannot be a coincidence and to say I was excited would be an understatement, to be sure. Yesterday was just the intro lesson but it was already good. So was seeing all my Bible study friends again! Love it. As for Bible stories, I am enjoying our lessons in Junior Church. For the past several months, we have had Thanksgiving lessons and a series of Christmas lessons. It seems a long time since we were working our way through some of my favorite stories from the life of Jesus. But I am enjoying it!!
Phew. I was not sure I could come up with five. But I did. And without much effort. I’m rather pleased with myself! And rather excited, so far, for this January. Of course, winter has not exactly “felt” like winter around here. That really helps. But I do hope my attitude is improving….and will only continue to improve. What is something you enjoy about this first month of our new year? Give me all the reasons to be grateful for January:)
Hi, I agree with #2. On Monday my husband and I went into our local farm store to pick up some rock salt for all the ice we have in the driveway. The store was so quiet. I could actually think. 😉
We have a very cold wind blowing here today. I do have to go out for a short walk with our dog, but it will be a short walk today. Negative wind chills. YUCK!
I love your honesty and I have to agree winter is my least favorite of the seasons but this year I am trying … really trying … to find the positives in it. I’m using this time for a rest period because once spring comes I will be busy and it will get busier from there. I applaud you for trying to find five reasons to enjoy this time of year. I’ve definitely been using my free time inside for Bible study and that is so, so important. I believe God gave us this season of winter intentionally for rest and I’m finding reasons to be grateful for that. 🙂
Oh, Jennifer! I too am not a fan of winter! The snow is pretty, watching it come down but then I have to drive in it….brush it off the car….etc. Give me spring alternating with fall all year long and I’d be a happy camper!
For the life of me, I couldn’t come up with one specific Word for this year and I’m not a fan of resolutions that fall by the wayside in a couple months. But I do have hopes and ideas for some improvements. And, like you, one of mine is a better attitude for sure.
Thanks for sharing your January thoughts! Have a great week.
Winter falls as my #2 favorite season with fall being #1. I love January — it is a time of rest and a time of renewal. I enjoyed reading your list of favorites during January, Jennifer. How cool is that about your Bible study book is entitled Anchored! The Lord works in all the ways. I finally landed on my Word for 2026. Listen. There were several quotes that dropped in my lap with listen as the main theme. Happy Wedneday!
January started with just a smidge of snow and lulled us into the thought that that was all we were getting. Then storm Goretti bought a load more of the white stuff. The positive was that we were warm and cosy inside, no damage and it all disappeared as quickly as it arrived.
When we did manage to get out , shops were remarkably quiet with less people. It was a pleasant experience .
I think your new Bible study sessions confirm that you made the best choice for your word for the year. I pray that you are encouraged to become more anchored in your faith and walk with Jesus in 2026.
Positivity can be challenging to me, too. I tend to be a glass half empty kind of girl. I know that´s not a great disposition, especially for a Christian since we know how the story ends. But we´re still human and have natural tendencies! I can complain about the winter… and find things that I like about it. That´s neat about your word of the year and your Bible study title being the same. I hope you learn so much by it… and share more of your wisdom with your readers :).
My husband went to town one day last week and happened to be in the area of Chick-fil-A at lunch time. We were shocked at how empty the dining room was…but there was car after car after car going through the drive thru. I’m like you enjoying the lessening of crowds.
I enjoy the month of January and look at it as a period of rest after all of the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It’s time to regroup
I may still do some decluttering and reorganizing but just in tiny bits…like a drawer or one cabinet at a time instead of making it an all day event.
Jennifer, I like your attitude about letting the blinds go. Spring will be here soon enough and then you can clean all the stuff no one saw anyway 🙂 With our new flooring all throughout the house, I have decided to not be crazy about getting the vacuum out for every little speck. It’s actually kind of freeing 🙂
As far as January goes…I’m over the cold already and we’ve barely had two days or so of winter. I’m not a fan of being cold (or hot, for that matter). What I am enjoying about this month, so far, is the slow pace I’m having this week, after moving. I’m forcing myself to take things slow, not make any plans and just enjoy being home. I’ve gotten antsy a few times and then I just remind myself that I need to stay calm and enjoy the slow pace.
And you have the right idea about using your energy in the spring. I do this weekly too. I hustle on the days I have energy and then rest on the days I don’t. Makes sense.
And while challenging yourself is a good thing, also b e gentle on yourself for any negative thoughts and feelings. They will surely pass, and in the meantime, you are allowed to feel what you need to feel and let it all out! I too have noticed the smaller crowds in stores and I love it! I went to CFA last week and thought, where is everyone!? Ha!
I don’t mind winter but this year started early and not in a nice way. Lots of snow, very cold ,and icy. Thankfully we are having a Jan. Thaw. But it is back to the cold tonight.
I like the slow pace of January
I like to be in my pjs right after dinner clean up.
I am happy to be retired so if it is cold and icy I have no where to be.
I love the foods if winter. The soups and breads. Warm drinks.
I find myself more and more concerned about getting out in crowds for fear of being sneezed and coughed on then catching something that will have us sick for the rest of the winter. Have been afraid to go to church for the same reason. We need to sit waaaaay away from everyone.