BY KIARA B.
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the most wonderful time of the year, but jingle bells and winter blues? Not the best combination. While many people take on the Christmas season with a holly-jolly attitude, others find themselves stuck in an icy haze of winter depression.
In this article, Christmas carols and mistletoe go neck-in-neck with the seasonal blues, as I list six festive coping methods that will turn your dark winter days into a beacon of light, love, and community.
Let’s put on our snowshoes and trek our way through this frosty funk:
Decorate your space
Twinkle lights are not exclusive to the grand Christmas tree. String them in your room, hang them from your porch, and stick them in your sisters’ Christmas stocking. Winter depression can get dark, but don’t let it cast a shadow on the light in your own home. Invest in mood lighting and turn your space into a glowy escape.
Create a wish list and set new goals
A little turtle dove told me that you’ve been wanting to buy yourself a thing, or two recently. Write those things down, mail it to Santa, or keep it in your sock drawer. Now, write a separate list of things you want to achieve in the new year. Once you’ve accomplished something on your goal-list, buy yourself something from your wish list. It’s the season of giving, and you deserve it all.
Make a new playlist
The new year calls for a new playlist. Explore soul-touching genres, organize a new set of songs, and name it after your childhood best friend – who you might miss just a little this time a year. Then, lay back with a hot cup of hot cocoa and listen to it on repeat.
Get creative
Whether it’s painting, writing, or baking, channel your creativity into projects that flood your spirit with holiday cheer. Snow-covered sceneries and cozy indoor fireplaces are known for inspiring creativity; use this to your advantage and create your own masterpiece! Making something creative this season can heal your inner child, who wants just one more chance to hold a paintbrush while wearing grandpa’s old beret.
Participate in winter activities
As the Toronto Christmas Market opens, Nathan Phillips Square turns into an ice-skating hub, and snow blankets the city parks, it’s time to grab a sled and head to the hills of endless fun. There are so many possibilities for winter excitement in the city, so bundle up and let the adventures begin!
Host a holiday party
Invite some of your favourite people over and indulge in festive tunes, comfort foods and holiday movies. Cold weather and shorter days can lead to social isolation, which is a home-made recipe for mental fatigue this season. Love and connections are a fundamental need, and spending time with friends and family can fight off feelings of loneliness. Hosting a holiday-themed party this winter is sure to warm the hearts of everybody in your circle, and seasonal depression may even consider packing its bags!
Through exploring these coping tools, I found that the key to beating winter depression is about embracing the season with a merry spirit. The Christmas Market’s magical atmosphere, Nathan Phillips Square’s city views, and the pure joy of creating a nostalgic playlist of songs you used to love are all crucial aspects of protecting your winter well-being.
So, as snowflakes begin to fall, remember that you hold the brush to your own winter wonderland. Make sure to fill your canvas with lots of love and light.
