by Angela Sanford
It may not be January as I put these thoughts to the page, but January is quickly approaching. For many, it brings with it the “January blahs.” The third Monday of January, often referred to as Blue Monday, is even considered the most depressing day of the year.

So how do we fend off the gloom that January can invoke?
When I was younger, Santa would bring me a new craft project each year. I would spend the winter months learning a new skill or finishing a project started over the holiday break. Back then, the cold didn’t faze me. My days were filled with outdoor adventures—tobogganing with friends, zooming around the yard on a ski-doo, cross-country skiing with my cousin Amber (often in shorts, no less), and skating on the ponds. Looking back, I’m not sure I even realized January’s early darkness and bitter cold could be depressing.
Things feel different now. I’ve come to recognize that I don’t do well with idle time, and I’ve grown less tolerant of the cold. These days, I avoid spending too much time outdoors in winter, specifically in January and February.
Still, I’ve found ways to ward off the winter doldrums, for the most part. Santa—and sometimes a thoughtful family member—often gifts me a puzzle or two for Christmas. These puzzles keep me challenged during long evenings while Dan discovers new streaming rabbit holes on YouTube.
This winter is shaping up to be a promising one for cross-country skiing, and I plan to take advantage of the “warmer” days to hit the trails. I do miss having a companion to share in the adventure, but I’ll make the most of the solitude. On stormy days when school is canceled, I’ll work on my scrapbooks for 2024—a creative outlet I’m particularly excited about this year, given how much there is to document from the past 12 months.
I also plan to read a few new books. My reading list will include a mix of genres: thought-provoking “thinkers,” professional development titles, and some lighthearted romances. I’m always curious to hear what others are reading, so if you have recommendations, please share!
Lastly, I’ll be counting down the days until my next travel adventure (just 70 days away!) and keeping a close eye on the lengthening daylight hours, which always lifts my spirits. Still, as with previous winters, I anticipate there will be days when I don’t feel like myself. On those days, I tend to retreat into quiet detachment, wishing winter could end in an instant—even though I know that’s not how it works. These moments can feel overwhelming, as if the weight of the season could consume me entirely, so I hope those days are few and far between this winter.
By focusing on my creative projects, outdoor activities, and the gradual return of daylight, I’ll do my best to keep the winter blues at bay. How do you keep the January blahs at bay?
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