AliIs it even possible to enjoy January in the PNW? With Christmas past, January feels bleak, wet and dark. A good pair of walking boots and many candles help lift my spirits. How about yours?
COMFORT FOR JANUARY BLAHS
January in the PNW is tough, right?
For those unacquainted with the terminology, PNW stands for the beautiful Pacific Northwest. It includes the coastal geography of Northern California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
For us well-acquainted ones, we feel the weight of winter — in heart, mind and body.
It’s January. Without even Valentine’s Day to break up the monochromatic monotony. Well, don’t despair. You’ll make it. Try engaging your five senses — especially the smell of temperate rainforest and the sight of twinkling light.
The holiday season gave ample distraction, and sometimes sensory overload. The flavors, activities, warmth and glow of loved ones.
We have to dig a bit deeper into January’s chilly calm, but there are sensory delights to be found. Read on!
JANUARY IN THE PNW REQUIRES BOOTS!
Outdoor Exploration
You’ve got to get outside! I know you don’t want to. Neither do I. But trust me, inside feels so much cozier when you’ve just come in from a chilly afternoon rain.
Besides, it’s good to return to a regular routine after Christmas — including movement! I don’t like the word “exercise” because it feels like a “have to”. Gentle movement and getting energized — that sounds more fun. I’m talking walking!
This is the season to slosh through ferny puddles, gaze up the stout trunks of cypress, and inhale all those wet and wonderful forest smells! If you didn’t already know, you’re boosting your immune system by doing so — through the wonder of phytoncides.
The Boots
You need to dress in layers and grab a good pair of boots. These are mine below, and I highly recommend them — along with an excellent pair of wool socks (for warmth and cushion). I love — and wear — this combo almost daily during January in the PNW.
These boots — the Xtratuf Women’s Deck Boots — are the bomb because they aren’t clunky and they are really grippy! Wet leaves and moss are slippery. These boots don’t care. They grip the ground with awesome strength. Click the pic to check them out. I like mine a little roomy to accommodate thicker socks.
The Socks
These Smartwool Women’s Mountaineer Socks rock the boots because they provide thick cushioning! I mean good-and-thick. The boots haven’t much padding so these are a perfect addition for serious walkers. Smartwool socks are excellent quality, plus they wrap your feet in warm Merino wool.
Be sure to wash these babies in cool, inside out — and air dry.
LIGHT UP THE INSIDE WITH CANDLES — REAL AND IMAGINARY
The Matchless Aura of Real Candles
Now that you’ve gone on your rainy walk, inhaling forest flavors as you go, it’s time to come into the light. There’s none outdoors, so fill your home with twinkling lights. Don’t take down Christmas twinkles — add to them! Yes, yes, the tree and all that colorful jazz can go back into boxes. But, how about adding dozens of pure golden, flickering lights?
Real candles are beautiful.
Calm your nervous system and help slow your thoughts before bedtime — simply gaze upon a flitting flame. You never know what dance moves it’ll come up with next. That’s the best part. Fire flames are always unpredictable. The little light starts calm and almost still. Then it bows, winks and wriggles for no reason!
Beauty. Mystery. Light.
Real candles require watching though. What if you don’t want that responsibility?
The Beauty — and Safety — of Quality Battery Candles
My bathrooms and bedroom keep the glow going with beautiful battery-powered candles, as soon as dusk hits. I invested in top quality ones — those gorgeous luminaires that mimic (as best they can) the irregular dance of natural flame.
When selecting artificial candles with moving flames, do consider the cost of battery usage. It’s for this reason that I bought the quality Pottery Barn candles. I tried cheaper ones first, but I was replacing batteries every two weeks.
A higher quality candle will save you a lot in batteries and soon match the price you paid.
I’ve used Pottery Barn’s Premium Flickering Flameless Wax Pillar Candles for a couple years now, and they do not disappoint. Even in winter months I’m only replacing batteries every eight weeks. Considering the candles are glowing for up to sixteen hours a day, that’s pretty good. Here’s the Pottery Barn link below:
A note for further battery savings: skip using a remote control with these candles, and avoid the “timer” feature.
GO OUT, STAY IN — ENJOY JANUARY IN THE PNW
So, boots and lights.
And, try to give yourself something to look forward to every day too. Like reading a pretty magazine that encourages relaxation and contentment. My favorite for this time of year is The Cozy Edition of Bella Grace. Then just before I crawl under the covers, I’ll watch the dance of real fire on my bedside candle wick — while I recount God’s goodness and grace these last twenty-four hours.
What helps you endure through January and February in wet and wintry weather? I’d love to read your suggestions, or answer any questions you might have. Here’s to a Happy (Contemplative) January. — Blessings, Ali 🙂