Embracing Hygge Season, Despite the Horrors
Creating Community Series
It’s been a rough week Vintnerds.
I’ve sat down to write this post many times over the past month and would just get stumped. How do you write about wine while the world is burning. In some cases, quite literally (the LA fires are still burning btw, Emily Schuman put together a great list of orgs who are helping on her substack). As a queer, Jewish woman I have felt the horrors of this week profoundly. As an American who actually loves this country so much, I’m heartbroken. As a friend of people who will be targeted by this regime even more than me, I’m scared.
This week I looked out the window at 5:25 and said oh, it’s not dark yet. The days are getting longer, winter is shortening. There’s a metaphor for everything in there, but it actually made me sad. Somehow the past 5 years, I became a winter girl. This time that used to just mean darkness and seasonal depression has become my time to slow down, embrace sweats and socks, and spend nights on craft projects (this year it’s miniatures). While I will be thrilled to feel the warm air and smell the blossoms of spring, I’m not ready for my quiet time to end.
I know January and February are depressing, and this year even more so (it SNOWED in the South, that’s the plot of a creepy Christmas movie!). So here’s how we’re going to make it a little better, both to enjoy the season and pull together for the next 4 years.
Spend Less
So I’m starting with this, because with all of these suggestions, you’re gonna feel a need to spend money and you rarely need to (okay, you probably have to buy wine, but other than that). Get creative with what you have. Borrow things. If you do need to buy things shop local or check out a vintage shop. Cutting back on spending is an ongoing mission in my own life (I’ve literally been to financial therapy), but my mantra for the next 4 years is “is this purchase worth stimulating Donald Trump’s economy?”
Create Light
Every night as the sun sets, or those grey days where it never comes out, create a ritual of turning on light. And I don’t just mean the lamps, I mean extra lights that will make your space feel warmer and cozy.
Keep the Christmas lights up.
Light your candles.
Put tea lights in glass jars.
Light pillar candles in wine bottles.
Drink Italian Reds
The other night a friend brought over a bottle of Chianti and I was reminded of how good an Italian red can be (this is a crime because I’m Italian). They’re drinkable, immediately flush your cheeks, and put everyone in a good mood. I prefer reds from central and southern Italy; despite their titles of “Kings of Wine” northern Italian reds can be a little too tannic for my liking. Here are some of my favorites:
Lambrusco: yes it’s northern, but it’s the exception; a sparkling red that’s intensely fruity and slightly sweetened, it’s like wine soda (in a good way).
Brunello: Tuscan Sangiovese wine that is aged for 50 months, full bodied, great with food, try if you’re a Napa Cab lover.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: juicy and fruity, medium body, soft tannins, good for Pinot Noir devotees.
Chianti Classico: all Chianti is good, but Classico is aged longer, making it more complex with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and leather along with the deep red fruits.
Primitivo: the Italian name for Zinfandel, so if you love Cali Zinf (raises hand), grab this bottle as well! Expect dark fruits and a hint of pepper.
Aglianico: as a Napoli girlie (my family is from there and I’ve been exactly once), I’d be remiss to leave off Aglianico. While harder to find in the US, snatch a bottle if you see it and enjoy dark fruits and spices, similar to Syrah.
Nero d'Avola: bright sun and volcanic soil makes gives it deep fruit flavors, fuller body, and spice, it’s a great food wine and like Australian Shiraz.
Photo by Kentaro Komada on Unsplash
Casually Host
Hosting is work. I get it, I host equally to spend time with people and to impress people. But as much fun as a full brunch or dinner party can be, also take some time to be casual. Invite people over, don’t clean the place, and make a pot of pasta (paired with an Italian wine, of course). We need our people more than ever, don’t let notions of hosting get in the way.
Embrace Nature
Melissa, it’s winter, there is no nature. While I will make the argument that winter is a beautiful time for nature, I did almost slip on ice this morning, so I get it. But no matter your aversion to the cold, there are still ways to enjoy nature in winter.
Indoor Plants: bring the green inside! If you’re new to plants, try a pothos (I literally have kept one alive for 2 years in windowless offices under just florescent lights) or a snake plant (good if you have pets). If you’re successful at keeping plants alive, build a succulent terrarium. Truly have a black thumb? Dry flowers and put arrangements around the house. Note: you don’t need to buy plants, ask friends for clippings!
Plan a Garden: gardening can be complex or simple. In my backyard we have above ground and dug garden beds, growing flowers and veggies. Last year, I grew dahlias from seed. I also have an annual herb garden where I put store bought herb plants into empty tin cans. Tending to a plant and reaping the rewards, whether it be fresh rosemary or flowers, is a peak summer activity and you can start working on it now. Here are some resources to get you started:
American Horticultural Society Sustainable Farming
Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Gardening for Beginners: The Complete Guide
Feed the Birds: okay, going full millennial here, but if you haven’t started birding yet, it’s time to download the Merlin app and start. The birds are cold and hungry, so put some food out and be a hero and start learning your local species. Make your own bird food mixes (sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, corn kernels, oats, dried fruit, raisins, unsalted nuts) and throw in the yard or make a bird feeder. Note: bird flu is going around, it’s still safe to feed the birds but make sure you are cleaning feeders regularly.
Create
Winter is the perfect time for new hobbies and projects. Like I said, this year I’m living my childhood cream and building my first miniature house. Past winter hobbies have included knitting, baking cardamon rolls, and watercolor. Dig out that craft kit you bought and never started, dust off your favorite hobby you haven’t made time for lately, or try something brand new. At a loss? Here’s my favorite easy bread recipe to get you started.
Put Sugar in Your Coffee
I’m not coming for you if you actually like black coffee (I just think you need help). But now is not the time for denying ourselves little pleasures. Eat the milk chocolate. Have real bread. Read your fairy smut. Life is short, enjoy the things you love.
What are you up to this winter Vintnerds?
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