Yes! Quiet and stillness is a good way to put it. I'm pleasantly busy with work at the moment and I hope it stays like this - not too much and not too little 🤞🏻
January definitely giving promise of the lighter days, I'm already planning trips to see the snowdrops in Feb which means its almost daffodil time, which is very nearly spring - that's how my logic works anyway 😂
That is excellent logic. I saw some crocus shoots starting to emerge when I was on a walk the other day and that felt like a tiny sign too. I walked my teaching job commute yesterday for the first time in 2025 and I could already see that there was a tiny bit more daylight. Regular walking at the same time of day helps me to notice it even more - just need to keep it up now!
I was reminding myself how bad my January blues were two years ago when I was still in my old job and it felt really good to compare how different everything is now. So much positive change has happened for us both in the past 18 months!
January is one of my favourite months. It might help that in HK there isn’t a huge amount of difference in the number of hours of daylight over the course of year as we are closer to the equator.
But also there’s some build up to the lunar new year celebrations, which are towards the end of the month. So we go from Christmas to LNY and then it’s basically Easter 😂 anyway, my point is that having some nice cultural celebrations can help too with the mood of a particular time of year.
Having cultural celebrations to look forward to must really help with mood and the direction people are headed in. I find it so hard to imagine what it must be like living somewhere with little variation in daylight! Did it take some getting used to, or did it feel normal immediately?
It felt stranger in Vietnam because there was no noticeable variation in the hours of daylight. And it’s just so hot all year round.
Here in Hong Kong, right now it’s dark by 6ish and the temperatures are much more reasonable! But I guess I’m kinda used to it now. It’s always weird returning to the UK, like I did over Christmas when it’s not light until 8am and then it’s dark by 4!
I definitely don't seem to be alone in this, which is good to know. Right now January feels quite spacious, but that will probably change as the month goes on!
I get that feeling about January too! Like you’re shedding the previous year and are looking to a fresh year ahead.
Yes to Slow Horses! 🙌🏼
We've just started season 2 so probably a bit late to the party but I'm really enjoying it.
Love that idea of shedding the previous year. It currently feels expansive in a good way.
I need to get started on Slow Horses! It’s on my to watch list.
A cashmere sock is a wondrous thing 😍
Absolutely! My feet are very grateful for them. Especially today 🥶
100%, I just wrote about this too! Justice for January - the most hated of months!
Love that! Let's all campaign for 'Justice for January!'
I love it too. Cosy night and candles 🕯️
Absolutely! Going out is overrated 😂
You have butted in on me! But yes I agree - January is fine! 🧡
yup darling i went for a chill walk 0700 hrs -1 but windchill colder - definitely no summer dresses but a dram warmed me up. peace and love x
here' s to January,never hated it🌲🏔️♥️
I notice the nights are drawing out and I love it! Fills me with Spring feelings even though everything is frozen solid around me.
It's in tiny amounts, but they really are! I don't mind the cold weather too much as everything looks so beautiful ❄️
VIVA LA HANUARY!
Love this! 🙌🏻
I feel the same. Slowly ‘wintergrating’ 2024 and feeling the seeds for 2025 being planted 🌱
Wintergrating is a lovely word! Here's to gently planting the seeds for 2025 ☺️
Agree! I adore the quiet and stillness of the new year. It offers a fresh perspective and clarity that feel impossible during the holiday season.
Yes! Quiet and stillness is a good way to put it. I'm pleasantly busy with work at the moment and I hope it stays like this - not too much and not too little 🤞🏻
That's the most positive thing I've read about socks for presents. made me quite envious!
😂 Sounds like I was clutching at straws but the cashmere and alpaca socks are both game changers.
January definitely giving promise of the lighter days, I'm already planning trips to see the snowdrops in Feb which means its almost daffodil time, which is very nearly spring - that's how my logic works anyway 😂
That is excellent logic. I saw some crocus shoots starting to emerge when I was on a walk the other day and that felt like a tiny sign too. I walked my teaching job commute yesterday for the first time in 2025 and I could already see that there was a tiny bit more daylight. Regular walking at the same time of day helps me to notice it even more - just need to keep it up now!
This has definitely helped to reframe my Jan blues! Thanks Hannah for a lovely upbeat read ✨
Hurrah! Happy to help beat those January blues 🙌🏻
I was reminding myself how bad my January blues were two years ago when I was still in my old job and it felt really good to compare how different everything is now. So much positive change has happened for us both in the past 18 months!
January is one of my favourite months. It might help that in HK there isn’t a huge amount of difference in the number of hours of daylight over the course of year as we are closer to the equator.
But also there’s some build up to the lunar new year celebrations, which are towards the end of the month. So we go from Christmas to LNY and then it’s basically Easter 😂 anyway, my point is that having some nice cultural celebrations can help too with the mood of a particular time of year.
Having cultural celebrations to look forward to must really help with mood and the direction people are headed in. I find it so hard to imagine what it must be like living somewhere with little variation in daylight! Did it take some getting used to, or did it feel normal immediately?
It felt stranger in Vietnam because there was no noticeable variation in the hours of daylight. And it’s just so hot all year round.
Here in Hong Kong, right now it’s dark by 6ish and the temperatures are much more reasonable! But I guess I’m kinda used to it now. It’s always weird returning to the UK, like I did over Christmas when it’s not light until 8am and then it’s dark by 4!
Yes Hannah! I wrote in my newsletter about how I love January and totally ok with going against the grain on this one. Happy 2025🫶🏼
Happy 2025 Antonia! x
I definitely don't seem to be alone in this, which is good to know. Right now January feels quite spacious, but that will probably change as the month goes on!
That sounds good! Mine is super-crunchy so hoping February has more breathing space xo