The Sunday Column: Romanticize Winter

By Alexis Shoats

We never discuss romanticizing the winter season. Spring, summer, and even autumn are so easy to enjoy, but after the holidays, winter feels like a huge elephant in the room. Why? The grind of the new year, new goals, fewer federal holidays? All valid reasons to fall into a mundane routine, and for some of us, even the winter blues. I don’t want that though. I think winter deserves to be romanticized, and perhaps more so than any other season. It’s so easy to look past these next couple of months; I'm guilty at times myself, but I don’t want to brush past this season in my life. Figuratively and literally. There’s so much to enjoy about the winter season. Let’s talk bout how to make your Winter Sundays more enjoyable. 

First, as I always like to state, your Sunday should not feel chaotic. That’s no way to begin the week, so whatever chaos you have to endure, try to get it done on Saturday. Second, find the joy in your Sunday, especially during the winter. I think it is equally important that we prioritize rest, but I also believe that enjoyment and entertainment play a crucial role in maintaining a positive mental state going into the week. So, I’d advise you to attend an event that you know will bring you joy and minimal to no stress. For me I’m going to try to catch as many Sunday movies or early afternoon plays. There is nothing like seeing a play at two in the afternoon and still having the rest of your day to relax. Perhaps for you, that’s going to a museum, catching an NBA game, or gathering with friends to watch the NFL playoffs. Maybe you play in an adult league and have weekly games! Some form of entertainment will be crucial to keep the winter blues at bay. 

After your afternoon entertainment, you should be starving. It’s time for Sunday dinner! For me I always start the week with a home-cooked meal. A tradition that has followed me from my childhood (thanks, mommy!) However, I do like to indulge in a dinner at a restaurant with friends or my boyfriend. It breaks up the monotony of the week and adds a chic flair! What’s more chic than grabbing dinner with friends on any day other than Friday or Saturday night? 

By now, you might be ready to climb into bed, and I say go for it! If you are not quite tired yet but ready to relax, then it’s time to either put on a movie or your favorite show. I feel as though I'm always playing catch-up with my shows that come on television on Sunday because I don't prioritize sitting down and enjoying them in the moment. Not anymore, the TV is on! 

And that is your perfect winter Sunday. I hope your week is better than the last. 

Alexis Shoats 

Editor - In - Chief