Shorter darker days, inclement weather, and keeping our credit cards and diets in check are limits of one sort or another that can make our worlds feel small in the new year. It’s in these moments that I find myself reaching for simple rituals of comfort that stir up gratitude and joy. If you struggle with these midwinter days, like I do, I hope you’ll read on as I share some winter rituals for inviting contentment and joy into your life as you wait for spring.

"I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this type of activity. The type that is slow and meditative, that forces a less frenzied pace, that lends itself to prayer and meditation, that begs for an accompanying mug of something warm and comforting while soft music plays. Had it really been that long since I’d given myself time like this? It had!

"What started out as a gift for someone else had become a gift to me."