Let’s face it, winter in the UK has rather fallen short in recent years. 2010 is the last time we had a prolonged period of cold weather and snow, and if recent trends are anything to go by, this year won’t be much different. Sure, there is a cooler solar cycle which might influence, but it’s not guaranteed.
Rather than the pristine white snows of Christmas cards and movies, winter has a tendency to just be… wet. With catastrophic flooding now becoming the norm rather than record snowfall, it can make the season feel a bit of a damp squib. What with it raining heavily in summer, winter doesn’t feel that distinct when it’s not accompanied by the cold.
But who wants to surrender to the inevitable? Global warming, El Nino or whatever the cause – it’s time to reclaim winter. It’s the campaign you never knew you needed!
Reclaim 1: Escape
Source: Pixaby
Well, it’s best to get it addressed, even if it does rather undermine my general point. If you’re craving a proper winter, complete with beautiful Alpine chalets and snow that shines like silver, then a holiday might be in order. The full winter forecasts aren’t out yet, but they have no guarantee. So take to the Alps and the other French resorts if you don’t want to miss out again.
Reclaim 2: Fake snow
Yep, it exists. Most TV shows film their Christmas episodes around July, so they have to manage the weather. Good fake snow will act like the real stuff, including being able to build a snowman and have snowball fights. It’s perfect for the myriad of Christmas parties, adding a little hint of the season.
Source: Wikipedia
Reclaim 3: Bombard your nose
(That sounds almost violent doesn’t it? Sorry.) Smell is a sense that is heavily connected to memories. As a result, you can conjure up a true winter spirit by surrounding your home with seasonal fragrances.
Orange, cinnamon and berries all conjure up perfect winter scenes in our minds. Rather than scented candles, use essential oils and diffuser reeds to fill your home with fragrance.
Reclaim 4: Switch your lighting
Source: Pixaby
Most lighting advice goes along the lines of light, bright and fabulous. But in winter, there is something to be said for low lighting.
Think table lamps rather than floor or ceiling lights, to keep the light around eye level. Also consider a change of bulbs, switching white light out for orange hues, all of which give great atmosphere.
Reclaim 5: Change Your Indoor Decor
The Fair Isle print has become somewhat ubiquitous over the years, but there’s no doubt there is something inherently festive about it. From the beginning of autumn, swap a few home decor pieces for festive replacements.
Think cushions, place mats and even ornaments that can give a little hint of the change of season. If your home just feels like it does in summer, but a bit colder and rainier, then you might struggle to get into the spirit.
So even if this winter is another washout, you can bring a few winter wonders to your home so you don’t feel you’re missing out.
