The beginning of January is always a sign that the time to get serious about settling into winter is here.
We have been fortunate, here in the Northeast, to have mild weather so far.

The Knockout Roses were still blooming in December, and the Christmas cactus is ready for a second
rush of fuchsia and red. But, as the pundits say, “the party is over.” All the Christmas hubbub, ugly
sweater parties, overpriced prix fixe dinners at overpriced restaurants have come to a thud stop. It is
January. It is time to get serious. It is time to settle into winter. This is a good thing. As much as I like
decorating, cooking for family and friends, entertaining, and singing carols, the passing of the holidays,
is, dare I say it, a welcomed relief.

Truly, I do not want to be assaulted by anymore “great deals” or advertising that promises “two for one
if you act now!” I don’t want it. I don’t care. I know exactly what I want and what I care about right now.
I want to settle into winter. I care about having solitude. Silence. Blessed silence. It is a joy to shut off
the car radio and listen to the windshield wipers whisper their back and forth words of wisdom as new
snow clings to the glass. It is an existential moment to listen to my own breathing. My warmth is causing
a pattern of clouds to form on the windshield. As the snow covers the branches of the trees, I imagine
ice forming on bare branches, swaying a melody. Chrystal wind chimes. So precious. It is all mine to see,
and hear, and feel. Silence. It was made for me. Settling into winter.