How to fall in love with winter

In this episode of The Guardian's Today in Focus, host Annie Kelly speaks with writer Catherine May, author of the bestseller "Wintering." May explores the meaning behind 'wintering,' emphasizing both the practical necessity of surviving winter as a season and the metaphorical significance of navigating darker periods in life. She insists that rather than wishing away winter, we should cherish its more subtle beauties, suggesting that these months offer a time for reflection and necessary stillness.

May encourages listeners to honor the natural rhythms of winter by not setting punitive New Year's resolutions, instead advocating for a balance of care and rest. She offers insights on the importance of solitude, which can be restorative and deeply comforting. The conversation highlights how modern societal pressures often lead us to equate self-worth with productivity, particularly during the winter months. Yet, embracing rest is essential for mental health and well-being.

Catherine shares practical tips to help people connect with the beauty of winter, such as keeping Christmas lights up until February and taking moments to appreciate daylight. The episode concludes with a hopeful message about the transformative potential of winter: it can allow us to accept change and emerge with a renewed sense of possibility for the year ahead.