Winter Warmers

This week brought Winter Solstice to the southern hemisphere and as night-time temperatures in Sydney danced around the 12-degree mark, a friend of mine questioned (as we do every year) as to how on Earth she managed to make it through dreary British winters.

We ask ourselves this every year as the lack of central heating and properly insulated homes in Bondi means that we often find ourselves colder inside our home than we are out; the slight downside to living in this beautiful country. And every year we grumble and shuffle around our apartments in all the layers we own, patiently waiting for summer to come around once again.

I struggled in London during the winter months. Yes, we had cosy nights squashed into a busy pub, open fires and big glasses of red wine. A recent trip home reminded me that there is nothing like a London pub in December. But the rest of my memories are filled with dragging myself out of bed in the dark, walking to work in the dark and coming home again, under the cloak of darkness. As someone who can never have enough summer holidays and literally feels rejuvenated when the sun comes out with his hat on, I was not at my happiest in this season.

In contemplation, I started looking back at my time spent in Canada (a country where temperatures drop to way below freezing) and yet I seem to have little memory of fighting against those harsher changes quite so much.

Living in Toronto during winter, you quite literally have to dig your car out from under the snow every morning as ice rain comes at you sideways. BUT if spending some time in Canada during winter taught me anything, it was the importance of not only keeping warm but also the importance of embracing the cold, the dark and the snow in a way that I’d always really struggled to get onboard living in London.

Granted, the first snowfall in Toronto was absolutely beautiful and nothing like the grey slush we’d get on a ‘snow day’ in NW5. But, even as that snowfall melted, I definitely found myself enjoying the snuggly winter vibes in a whole new way. Friends who live there all year round might say we had the luxury of rose tinted glasses and that getting rugged up at heading out into the freezing cold doesn’t bring them any joy, they just have to get on with it, life goes on and until the temperatures finally thaw they have no choice but to clear their walkways and try to protect their shoes from the road salt that coats everything it touches.

Canada seemed to me, to encourage outdoorsy-ness even when the snow came up to our shins. We’d still head out, trying not to fall ass-over-tit and relish the moment warmth hit you walking back through the front door.

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special.  This somewhat overused word in this case, is quite apt as I found myself fully acknowledging the cosy, charming and special aspects of life during the winter months.

Without the luxury of central heating, I’ve made a list of Sydney winter warmers to help fully embrace the winter months and find a little hygge in every moment. 

A hot water bottle

This, I’m told, is very English of me. Or old fashion. Or both! I’m totally fine with that. My current bright yellow hot water bottle is a permanent attachment.

Fluffy socks + UGGS

Keeping those feet toasty is so important. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, keeping your feet warm keeps all of the energy meridians in your legs warm supporting your overall wellbeing and immunity.

Snuggly blankets + Flannel Sheets

I have a friend to blame for my flannel sheet obsession. She took them camping once and I was so jealous of her getting into her warm sheets I’ve jumped on the bandwagon this year. Mine are from Target but they’re everywhere at this time of year.

Hot drinks + warming foods

I was reminded recently, the importance of keeping your insides warm when the temperatures are cold outside. I’ve started drinking warm water and I’ve been loving a London Fog; a creation I discovered living in Toronto. It’s just Early Grey with hot steamed milk (I use almond) and a little sweetener if you need it. Herbal, hot chocs and old faithful coffee are all my best friends right now.

Warm, low lighting; think candles and salt lamps

This is my favourite aspect of the darker winter months. The difference good lighting can make is a game changer for me. Especially in the evening when your body and mind need to start to wind-down; the warm glow from a candle or salt lamp can feel like the switch off you need. It changes the vibe of a room and makes everything feel more gentle and soft.