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Joy in Wintertime

January 24, 2025 50 Comments

 

We try to embrace the cadence of the natural rhythms and look for joy in the simple, restorative moments that each season brings. Winter, often viewed as harsh and uncomfortable, is an invitation to slow down, cozy up, and connect with ourselves and importantly, with others.

 

Tiny moments of gratitude can carry a lot of weight and might be found in the flame of a candle, the quiet air of a snowy walk, or a simple warm bowl of oatmeal. 

 

Instead of pushing through the season as if it’s something to endure, what if we took a cue from nature and slowed down? 

 

We hope you're finding moments of joy in the darker days and we’d like to share a book that’s been around a long time that might be a good read right now.


"Pathways to Bliss" by Joseph Campbell explores how mythology and the concept of following one’s bliss can help us find meaning and purpose, especially in times of uncertainty and chaos by connecting with mythic patterns of resilience and renewal. 


During times when feelings of uncertainty and division are ramping up, collective action feels vital. This kind of book can empower people to rise above fear driven narratives and create a sense of hope and connection. It’s nice to read something that reminds us how to align our personal purpose with larger societal needs.


What are the reads you've loved lately?



50 Responses

Susanna
Susanna

January 24, 2025

isappearing Earth by Julia Phillips, a beautifully written mystery/suspense book that takes place at the northeastern most edge of Russia. Totally absorbing and deeply wintry.

natalie Dávila
natalie Dávila

January 24, 2025

wow so many amazing suggestions in here! bookmarking for future reference. I just finished all the pretty horses by cormac mccarthy and loved it a ton. going to go horse girl mode

Janet
Janet

January 24, 2025

Devotions by Mary Oliver. For all seasons, she captures place, time, and beauty.
I just finished reading Living Faith by Jimmy Carter and plan to read more of his books. He was truly a national treasure.
———
Everyday Oil replied:
So true!

Tiffany
Tiffany

January 24, 2025

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey is a good read and a great book for the winter months.

Rachel
Rachel

January 24, 2025

Rereading M Train by Patti Smith
I love her words and find them very grounding.

Amber
Amber

January 24, 2025

I’m reading Wanderlust – by Rebecca Solnit – on the joys of long walks

nadia
nadia

January 24, 2025

These recommendations are great! So happy people are staying positive out there! I’m rereading David Lynch’s Room To Dream because to me slowing down in the winter means permission to day-dream!
———
Everyday Oil replied:
💛

Grace Wing-Yuan Toy
Grace Wing-Yuan Toy

January 24, 2025

I just read Lunar New Year Love Story by: Gene Luen Yang (Author), LeUyen Pham (Illustrator). Highly recommended!

Isa
Isa

January 24, 2025

Hi EO! Love you guys, especially in winter. My Mainstay is keeping me calm and hydrated in this super cold NY winter. Leaning into the winter cosiness with Rainbow Rowell’s Slow Dance!

Yuko
Yuko

January 24, 2025

I like to read Marie Kondo’s Magic of Tidying Up- just a good reminder in a time of renewal- January

Sharon Leong
Sharon Leong

January 24, 2025

I also second (or third!) THE ALCHEMIST! Re-read it to inspire me anew!

Also loved reading gorgeous DICTIONARY OF OBSCURE SORROWS by John Koenig

Debra Schneider
Debra Schneider

January 24, 2025

Long, involved complex tales, like Cold Mountain, Any Human Heart, The Covenant of Water

Sierra
Sierra

January 24, 2025

I recently finished Beautyland by Marie Helene-Bertino. I felt so seen and was bowled over by the beauty of the story. Now finishing up Orbital and plan to pick up The Sun Walks Down next. I just love reading so so much, and winter reading has that melancholy feeling that really speaks to me. So excited to read everyone’s recommendations!

Lisa
Lisa

January 24, 2025

Wintering by Katherine May also! I am trying to lean into winter now more than ever and enjoy the rest and slow pace.

Marie
Marie

January 24, 2025

Colored Television By Danzy Senna This book not only provides good insight into multiracial identities, it also shares the realities of TV production, conveyed in an amusing, entertaining and thought provoking read (no easy task!).

JDLS
JDLS

January 24, 2025

I read either of the Hygge books by Miek Wiking when I want to cost up. Also, we have started burning candles during our evening family meal (as per his suggestion in the first book) and it really helps make our time together more special.

Jen
Jen

January 24, 2025

I only read comedies in January! Collections of funny essays. Right now R.Eric Thomas “Here for It” to get me laughing through my winter blues.

Marissa Venturi
Marissa Venturi

January 24, 2025

Small things like these, by Claire Keegan! I love the audio book of this novella, but the book itself is a real winter treasure that is so beautifully written. Both provocative and nourishing.

Kristen
Kristen

January 24, 2025

101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest!! Beautiful messages broken down into smaller chapters, lovely!

Dee
Dee

January 24, 2025

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore was a spectacular read this winter
———
Everyday Oil replied:
Agree, loved this one!

Ellie Wells
Ellie Wells

January 24, 2025

The Book of Difficult Fruit by Kate Lebo— the writing is so great, as a baker there’s great joy in thinking about strange and challenging beautiful bounty to come in the stark and slow season
———
Everyday Oil replied:
Sounds perfect

Susannah Felts
Susannah Felts

January 24, 2025

I love winter for its cozy-up-under-a-blanket time, and candlelight—- lots and lots of candles, please! Tatine candles are a lovely splurge. Pair with a Claire Keegan novella.

Jenna
Jenna

January 24, 2025

Recently finished the Odyssey! A joyous time reclaiming my attention and submersing myself in mythology.
———
Everyday Oil replied:
Impressive :)

Katie
Katie

January 24, 2025

Just gifted this to a friend and so I’m rereading The Summer Book by Tove Jansson.

Cary
Cary

January 24, 2025

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
———
Everyday Oil replied:
A must read!

Amy
Amy

January 24, 2025

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed. Best book to help with the blues.

Sarah
Sarah

January 24, 2025

I’ve always loved Jospeh Campbell’s work…and love the idea of gifting this to my dad, whose bday is coming up (Aquarius vibes)!

Cary Barbane
Cary Barbane

January 24, 2025

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho!

Rosetta
Rosetta

January 24, 2025

Novels by Haruki Murakami are salve in the slow Winter.
A little escape, simplicity, stillness, imagination <3

Kelley
Kelley

January 24, 2025

I’m reading Orbital and am enjoying the slow meditation on earth during this cold gray winter.

Rebecca
Rebecca

January 24, 2025

I’m rereading Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic, which is a pattern I probably need to do yearly!

Joshua
Joshua

January 24, 2025

The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama. I never read it when it was first published, but right now, in this particular moment in our history, might just be the perfect time.

Cheney
Cheney

January 24, 2025

How to winter by Kari Leibowitz is a great choice

Katie
Katie

January 24, 2025

Just finished Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar and it was gorgeous!

Hilary
Hilary

January 24, 2025

The Book of Delights by Ross Gay — grounding & beautiful essays to revisit every year.

Kelly
Kelly

January 24, 2025

I’m enjoying “my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry” by Fredrick Backman. It’s for my book. But go to comfort reading includes Sherlock Holmes stories. I love those!

Mina
Mina

January 24, 2025

Forest of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha

Amber Pittenger
Amber Pittenger

January 24, 2025

The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger. It’s about the intrinsic wisdom of plants, and helps me remember that the green will return, soon ♥️

Cheney M
Cheney M

January 24, 2025

This sounds beautiful- love the winter season for rest and catching up on some reading

Sherry
Sherry

January 24, 2025

My favorite read this winter has been Hildegard of Bingen’s Medicine & Fast Facts for the School Nurse!

Meghan B
Meghan B

January 24, 2025

I am currently reading Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck and really enjoying it! I have also really enjoyed Even After Everything by Stephanie Duncan Smith during this season.

Allison Fitzpatrick
Allison Fitzpatrick

January 24, 2025

The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides. This book is so well-written, a journey along with Captain Cook and crew on what would be Cook’s final voyage. I’m fascinated by the shaping of history in this part of the world, and though now typically seen in negative context I appreciate the authors straight-forward approach with Cook. Not celebrated, not evil- a judge for yourself along the way type take. Bonus: This book was one of Obama’s top books from last summer. Great read with a top class seal of approval!

Brian
Brian

January 24, 2025

The book “Wintering” is very timely for the season and also post climate trauma :)

Deanne
Deanne

January 24, 2025

Reading romance novels in the winter (and all seasons, really) is so fun! I recent excellent read is called “Summer Fridays,” and I highly recommend it! :)

Liza Berdnik
Liza Berdnik

January 24, 2025

The McCartney Legacy volume 2 1974-1980. What an astonishing work ethic! A great book to read while sitting sipping tea. Paul does all the work.

Katrina posner
Katrina posner

January 24, 2025

Wintering; the power of rest and retreat in difficult times. Katherine May

Linda Moore
Linda Moore

January 24, 2025

Good Women by Halle Hill. Stories of Blaxk women in Appalachia. Excellent!

Emma Thier
Emma Thier

January 24, 2025

I just read big magic to spark some creativity

Shannon
Shannon

January 24, 2025

‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ by Maya Angelou…
One of my old favorites and so beautiful!

Lexie
Lexie

January 24, 2025

Wintering by Katherine May! It’s the best manual for surviving winter.
———
Everyday Oil replied:
Oh! This looks like THE perfect winter read :)

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