Styling the Seasons: January

: Styling the Seasons, by Apartment Apothecary and Lotts and Lots :
“Reflect the change of seasons and show those changes in your own home, by styling any surface (shelf, dining table, mantelpiece) with something you like to reflect the new month and what it means to you”

I’ve had mixed feelings about January this year – part of me loves the fresh start a new year offers, and part of me wants to hide under the duvet with a good book rather than having to entertain any thoughts of aims, resolutions or bucket lists. Christmas is such a busy period, that we’ve relished a slower, quieter January. We’ve spent lots of time at home – the kids enjoying time to play with each other, and me lighting candles, alternating between curling up under a blanket on the sofa with a book or my crochet, and jumping up, full of urgency to get on with decluttering and organising.

I’m taking better care of myself – I’ve got back into the habit of reading in bed before going to sleep, of slowing down when I need to, and I’ve returned to my long-neglected yoga class. Even picking up my crochet again is a change for the better – we may still be making our way through box sets in the evenings (screen-free evenings haven’t made their way into our 2016 life yet), but at least I’m doing something creative while we watch!

Meanwhile, this last week I’ve noticed the evenings staying lighter just that tiny bit later, and there are shoots pushing up through the earth in pots and flowerbeds (I’m ignoring the daffodils that have bloomed way too early). I may have started January with a sense of ambivalence, but it is starting to win me over with its promise of new life and growth. I’m pleased that it’s not time to give up the warm blanket and the candles quite yet, though.