A fire crackles in the background. You’re curled up on the couch in your comfiest pajamas and chunky socks with a good book and a piping hot mug of hot chocolate on the side table next to you. Outside, fluffy white snowflakes fall silently past the frosty window, but the cold weather couldn’t be farther from your cozy living room. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, you might be lucky enough to have your winter hibernation coincide with the Christmas season, adding an extra dose of yuletide magic, such as when Wonderful Christmastime pops up on shuffle or you catch Home Alone on the TV as you flip through the channels, a Christmas tree twinkling in the corner of the room. But even if after Christmas, the chilly winter air is the perfect excuse to cancel all plans and enjoy the quiet time indoors.
Elements
Winter vibes
Whether it’s snow piled against a frosty windowsill or a fluffly layer of white on the branches outside, a winter night in will always begin with winter vibes
Hot drinks
A proper winter hibernation is always accompanied by some form of hot drink
Cozy pajamas
There’s no better time to be awake in your pajamas than when it’s cold outside and you’re bundled indoors on the couch
Chunky socks
Often paired with pajamas are chunky, comfy socks that you can lounge around in
Warm settings
Perhaps it’s some candles, holiday lights, or maybe even a full blown fire. No matter what, there’s always a warm cozy setting to keep the night toasty
The sound of a crackling fire
The soothing crackle of the fire is the only soundtrack you really need on a cold winter’s day
Comfy blankets
A comfy favorite blanket can be added to any hibernation session on the couch for an added dose of warmth
Chunky sweaters
Sweater weather is in effect and makes for the perfect lounging around outfit
Seasonal snacks
In between lounging sessions, a seasonal snack is the perfect thing to help you get by
Experience It
On your taste buds
Enjoy a hot beverage
Whether it’s hot chocolate, tea, or something a little stronger (mulled wine anyone?), there’s no way to get into full hibernation mode without a warm drink by your side.
On the tube
Binge watch Netflix
If a cold winter’s night is not the absolute perfect time to binge watch Netflix, then we don’t know when is.
Through the pages of a book
Get lost in a book
Equally appropriate for a hibernation day is turning off the tube and instead getting lost in the pages of your favorite book, perhaps illuminated by candlelight.
In real life
Get cozy
Regardless of if you have chosen the Netflix or book route, make sure to put on your coziest pajamas, slippers, and sweaters and find a comfortable corner of the couch for the ultimate hibernation experience.
On your taste buds
Order in
Really soak in the laziness of the day by ordering some hot food from the comfort of your own home.
In real life
Add some twinkle
To take your hibernation to the next level, hang some white string lights around the living room, light a seasonal candle, or best of all find a fireplace and listen to the crackle as the flames warmly light up the room.
Author: Adrian Monaco
Co-founder of Archetypical. When the days get shorter and the nights get cold, I love a good excuse to spend the night in.
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