This is how to get through the longest month of the year
Is it just me or is January simply the dullest, longest month of the year? January honestly feels to me like one stretched-out Tuesday: dull, colorless, and uninviting. After a month full of drinks, lunches, dinners, and work pushed to after the holidays, I always fall a bit into a void when it comes to planning activities after the New Year. Now that my party outfit is safely stored away and my partner and I have nearly exhausted all streaming services, I went looking for some winter coziness, feeling a bit Netflix-weary and slightly bored. Just fun things you can do with your loved one, your friends, or just alone to make the dull January month a bit more enjoyable. Here they come:
1. Cocooning in a cozy little house
If you ask me, there’s nothing better than escaping reality with a cozy little trip. Now I completely understand that you don’t want to use all your vacation days right now to achieve that, but what about a weekend getaway? Just a few days away with someone you love, playing games, having deep conversations, a little fire going, nothing more to do.
2. Ice skating
Channel your inner ice princess and get those skates down from the attic. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like this can happen on natural ice this month, but there are also many artificial ice rinks where you can discover your hidden skating talent. Even if it doesn’t go as planned.
3. Heel Holland Bakt (The Great Dutch Bake Off)
January is the perfect time to fire up your oven and experiment with new baked goods. Think of cinnamon rolls, cookies, cakes… You can’t help but feel happy with the smell of a freshly baked apple pie wafting through your kitchen. This kitchen disaster won’t attempt it, but here’s a call to every baking enthusiast who feels inspired by this idea: invite me!
4. Book your summer vacation
There’s no stronger medicine against the ‘January blues’ than looking forward to summer plans. Gather your travel buddies, have a cocktail or two, browse all the vacation websites, and you’ll almost feel like you’re on a tropical island. Almost.
5. Redecorate your living room
January is a time for renewal. Out with the old, in with the new. Are you secretly curious about how your couch would look on the other side of the room? Or are you tired of the color of your walls? Roll up your sleeves and shake things up! Do you live with someone and aren’t sure if your roommate will appreciate these changes? I always say: it’s better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.
6. Host a charcuterie board party
To be honest: I stole this from TikTok, but I think it’s such a cozy idea. A charcuterie board party is a party where everyone brings their favorite charcuterie board. Think of a cheese board, a dessert board, a nacho board, or even a sushi board. You can’t get any crazier: as long as it fits on a board, it’s good.
7. Plan a beauty day
I can’t be the only one whose skin, hair, and nails are screaming for a little attention after the holidays. So planning a beauty day might not be such a crazy idea. A trip to the hairdresser, a manicure, and a facial, ending with a lovely massage? Count me in.
8. Deluxe movie night
Are you secretly still not fully rested and just want to enjoy this month at home? Organize a deluxe movie night. For a few bucks, you can buy a projector that allows you to watch your favorite movies on a big screen. Stock up on your favorite drinks and snacks, build a fort with all the blankets and pillows you can find, and binge away. Those outdoor activities can wait until the sun comes out again.
Image: @haileybieber
