Meeting the season with thoughtfulness and care.
Sunday, February 1, 2026
The almost full Snow Moon1 was setting as I looked out the window this morning (7:12 am EST). I tried again to take pictures of it, but my phone is just not cut out for that kind of thing. Toying with the idea of getting out a tripod and my Nikon camera, but not sure its really worth it, since I only have a standard 35mm lens.
It’s another clear and cold day, with a high of 25°F. Much of the snow from last weekend remains, making everything outside look extra bright. I am noticing that the sun climbs over the rim of the horizon a little bit earlier than before. In fact, since December 21st, we have gained 49 minutes of daylight here in Cincinnati. As the light returns, it gets easier to start the day when the alarm goes off.
Halfway to Spring
Good bye January, hello February! This point in the calendar, specifically February 2nd, marks the half way point between the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox. In traditions and cultures all around the world, from Christian to pagan and East to West, this date has long been a time of celebration. For example, Groundhog Day actually comes from a pre-Christian Germanic custom of looking to hibernating animals, like the badger, as a way to predict long-range weather2. Regardless of the observance you choose, it denotes that we have made it through the darkest part of the year, inching ever closer to the start of spring, and that seems worthy of momentary pause.
“Yesterday was “ground-hog’s day” in many parts of the United States, and Candlemas day in many other parts of the world. From time immemorial, it has been a critical day in the affairs of the weather. The character of the second of February is really of much more importance than whether the first of March comes in like a lion or a lamb. The simplest form of the adage is:
– Hartford Courant, 18773
If Candlemas day be bright and clear,
There’ll be two winters in that year.”
In place of the usual hustle and bustle or commercial celebration this February, I am choosing a gentle refresh and the practice of gratitude. I am returning to cozy habits or rituals that resonate and bring me joy. Small comforts to carry me through the rest of the winter months. Moving gently, while using thoughtfulness as a guide. So for today, allow the soft glow of candlelight to be an intentional reminder; the light is returning, spring is coming, warmer weather is just around the corner. If winter feels like it lasts forever, perhaps that’s a sign you’re living life slowly (because for me, January went by in a flash!).
Let this pause also be a moment of gratitude for the little things that make all the difference; being warm inside your home when its cold outside, for the steady unfaltering cadence of the sun, and for the appreciation that comes from experiencing things in opposition. Dark versus the light. Warm versus cold. Would you long for spring so ardently, had winter never come? This is all part of what makes the seasons so beautiful.
Dog Days of Winter
I just wanted to share that prior to researching for this post, I had never heard of Candlemas4 (Christian) or Imbolc5 (Celtic), however, I am somewhat familiar with Setsubun6 (Japanese). Not being the superstitious type, I never paid much attention to Groundhog Day (and hated the movie). Nor did I realize that little Punxsutawney Phil had such a historical background, all of which is actually quite interesting since it is directly connected with the seasons and astronomical phenomena.
Valentine’s Day has also lost its charm for me (I loved the little heart shaped candies with sayings on them as a kid). I like to show my partner I appreciate them all of the time, in all kinds of ways (frequently acts of service like preparing a nice meal) or just being thoughtful and thanking them for all the little things they do for me (my husband will often make me coffee in the morning even though he has to leave for work, or surprise me with a treat from the grocery store that wasn’t on the shopping list). I find the over commercialized, almost obligatory, and stereotyped Valentine’s Day gift items unappealing. Perhaps you can relate?
This leaves February feeling rather dull without any holidays or celebrations to brighten the spirits. I wanted something meaningful to fill the void. Something grounding and uplifting that would help carry me forward through the final (and hardest) stretch of winter. So I sought to discover, or weave together my own way of honoring Midwinter in a manner that felt purposeful and supportive. Keeping in mind core concepts like purification, returning light, warmth, and tending to the home, as well as ourselves. With that, I hope some of the ideas shared below will be of use to you.
Images from Unsplash.com
Gentle Rituals for the Heart of Winter
- Setting aside time to enjoy a cup of tea or warm beverage
- Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts or essential oils (or both)
- Reading a book, sketching, or journaling
- Lighting a candle, or if you are able, a fire in the hearth
- Briefly opening the windows to let in some fresh air
- Checking or replacing household air filters
- Washing blankets or linens
- Taking down the Christmas tree if you haven’t done so already (guilty!)
- Tidying one shelf, your desk, or a corner of the house
- Getting yourself a small treat that you wouldn’t normally buy (a slice of cheesecake…perhaps?)
Feel free to do whatever you wish with these small habits. Adapt them to your needs or come up with your own. The purpose is to create a cozy and calming space that is supportive for you. For example, I recently put a new duvet on the bed and swapped to king size pillows, minor changes that made the bed that much more comfy (I don’t know about you, but I will take all the cozy and comfy I can get right now).
Allow me to leave you with one final suggestion. Instead of resisting what cannot be changed, look instead for the magic that is happening in this moment. Perhaps consider, what gifts does this season bring? When you spend less time focusing on how much you don’t like something, it makes room for new perspectives to grow. I have come to love all of the seasons, for each has its own beauty and nuance to share.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”
– Viktor Frankl
Original Image from Unsplash.com; modified with Adobe Firefly.
- Farmer’s Almanac – https://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-february ↩︎
- Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day ↩︎
- Quote Garden – https://www.quotegarden.com/groundhog-day.html ↩︎
- Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candlemas ↩︎
- Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imbolc ↩︎
- Nippon – https://www.nippon.com/en/features/jg00013/ ↩︎