Ah, January. The holiday hustle has quieted, the new year is in full swing, and winter’s chill invites us to slow down and embrace the cozy comforts of home. Winter is a time of rest and recharge. It's a time to soothe our souls and get us ready for spring. In nature you see hibernation and dormancy. Everything is at rest gaining energy to burst forward in the spring with new life. This season cycle is for rejuvenation so if you’re looking for ways to make this winter your most relaxed and fulfilling yet, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into some simple winter activities and cozy ideas that are perfect for a season of slow living, self-care, and maybe even discovering a new favorite hobby.
Create a Candlelit Atmosphere
Nothing screams cozy quite like the warm glow of candlelight. This winter, why not try your hand at making your own candles? Beeswax candles are not only beautiful but also easy to make and toxin-free. Plus, the process of melting, pouring, and crafting is wonderfully meditative, and you can customize them using essential oils to create your favorite scents. Light a few in the evening, pair them with a good book, and let their soft glow bring a little magic to those long winter nights. We have a great step-by-step blog here to learn how to make your own beeswax candles.
Bake Something Delicious
There’s something deeply satisfying about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete newbie, winter is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen. One of the easiest breads to try is focaccia. We have a tutorial blog here on how to make this bread. This winter I am jumping on the sourdough train so I will try and document my adventures along the way. If you're intimidated by making bread try a simple no-knead bread recipe or whip up some gooey cinnamon rolls for an extra-special weekend treat. Bonus: baking is a fantastic way to keep your home warm and your spirits high on cold days.
Build a Cozy Reading Nook
Transform a corner of your home into the ultimate reading retreat. Think soft blankets, fluffy pillows, and maybe even a string of fairy lights. Stock it with books you’ve been meaning to read (or re-read!), and don’t forget a mug of your favorite hot beverage. For an extra cozy touch, keep a pair of fuzzy socks or a knitted throw within arm’s reach. This little nook will quickly become your go-to spot for unwinding. If you love reading, we just did a blog a few weeks ago on how to turn reading into the ultimate cozy experience you can read here.
Try Your Hand at a Winter Craft
Winter is the perfect time to start a new hobby or revisit an old favorite. From knitting a chunky scarf to creating a scrapbook of last year’s memories, winter crafts are a wonderful way to stay busy and tap into your creative side. Not sure where to start? Look for DIY kits online or join a virtual crafting class—it’s a fun way to learn something new while staying cozy indoors. Another great project to try this winter is a vision board. Instead of the old and tired resolutions try something new that also sparks creativity. We created a guide last winter for how to create your own vison board you can read here.
Indulge in a Spa Night at Home
When the weather outside is frightful, a little self-care is oh-so-delightful. Treat yourself to an at-home facial with a soothing steam and hydrating mask. Add in some calming music and a cup of herbal tea for the full spa experience. Trust us, your skin (and your soul) will thank you for it. To set the scene perfectly, we have a guide for you to make this experience super cozy and inviting that you can read here.
Host a Cozy Movie Marathon
Invite a couple of friends over or enjoy a solo movie night with a stack of feel-good films. Pop some popcorn, pile up the blankets, and make it a pajama-only event. Pro tip: pick a theme for your marathon, like classic rom-coms, wintery adventures, or even nostalgic childhood favorites. If you are feeling really ambitious, why not create a whole event around your movie theme? How about a mid-afternoon dinner party followed by a movie marathon? Even if it's just one other couple that still counts! We have some ideas for dinner party themes to inspire your evening here.
Embrace the Outdoors (Briefly!)
Okay, hear us out. While staying indoors sounds dreamy, there’s something refreshing about a brisk winter walk. Bundle up in your coziest layers, head to a nearby park, and enjoy the crisp air and quiet beauty of winter. When you return home, reward yourself with a steaming cup of cocoa—marshmallows optional (but highly recommended). If you love the chilly weather, and have some friends that would be willing, host an afternoon or evening around the fire outdoors. In 2022 we created a box called S'moresgiving. It's a play on Thanksgiving and smores together. This experience can be done any time of year but it's perfect when the weather is chilly. Read about S'moresgiving here.
Reflect and Reset
Finally, use this slower season to reflect on the past year and set gentle intentions for the months ahead. Grab a journal, light a candle, and take some time to think about what you’d like to welcome into your life in 2025. Remember, this isn’t about grand resolutions—it’s about small, meaningful shifts that bring more joy and peace into your days. We have a great blog about pausing and reflection you can read here.
Cozy January, Happy You
January doesn’t have to be all about resolutions and routines. Instead, let it be a time to reconnect with what makes you feel warm, happy, and at ease. Whether it’s baking, crafting, or simply curling up with a good book, embrace the simple pleasures and let the coziness of the season fill your heart (and home). Here’s to a wonderfully slow and fulfilling start to the year!
There’s a whole world of joy just waiting to be discovered, and we’re here to help you find it—month after month! Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, spending more time with your favorite people, or simply making room for what truly matters, we’ve got you covered. So, if you’re not already on our email list or following us on social media, what are you waiting for? Catch us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for all the fun!
Simple Joy Box is all about helping you slow down and savor the little things—one curated box at a time. We take the stress out of finding your next favorite hobby by introducing fun new ways to express yourself and sprinkle more simple pleasures into your daily routine. Ready to dive into the slow-living lifestyle? Head over to our website to learn more, and don’t forget to sign up for our email list so you never miss a blog or a fresh idea!
For. R it’s a mix of them but top 2 are movie night marathon and baking something delicious
I do a multitude of these! I love making candles and soaps especially.