Let’s talk February in State College, shall we?

The fuss and sparkle of the holidays are over. The new year is off and running. And now here we are, once again in the middle of a long, cold winter.

Sure, there will be generous, spirit-lifting moments when the sky will remember how to be blue. 

And there will be a Fake Spring, when temps will nonsensically reach into the 60s.

And we’ll most certainly have a lusciously peaceful snowfall or two that’ll settle our souls and push the “reset” button on our winter tolerance.

But for the most part? This time of year can test our endurance. 

And it requires a plan. 

As I enter into my seventh State College winter, I know that the spring, summer, and fall on the other end of this are so worth the wait. 

But I also know that we can set ourselves up to do so much more than just tolerate an entire season on our way to those warmer months.

So here are three things we can do to break up the monotony of this period of time which I shall lovingly refer to as “It’s Still Winter?!”

Get ready to learn how to look forward to this season, instead of only looking forward to the end of it.

1 | Embrace ritual. 

Slipping into the warmth of heavy wool socks on cold mornings.

A favorite candle lit while the coffee is being made.

Methodically wrapping ourselves in layers before an unrushed lunchtime walk through a snow-covered Walnut Springs.

Unwrapping ourselves and restocking the coat closet when we return.

Hearty, comforting meals made with ingredients from a favorite nearby farm.

A long soak in the bath to defrost after a bundled-up backyard bonfire with friends.

The extended sameness of this season doesn’t automatically hand us special occasions or big moments. Adding our own rituals to this time reminds us that we don’t have to wait, but get to create our own moments of significance.

2 | Create an exclusive experience.

Choose something that you absolutely love and make it an “It’s Still Winter?!” exclusive activity.

Something you’re only allowed to do/eat/read/watch/listen to/experience during this time of year.

A freezer stocked with your favorite flavor of bougie ice cream. (A pint of Jeni’s Brown Butter Almond Brittle? Life changed the day we found it stocked at Wegmans!)

An afternoon spent poking around Woodrings to find the perfect new houseplant to nurture while you wait for the first signs of spring.

A family recipe you work on mastering and a dinner party with the neighbors-who-have-become-friends to help you eat it.

A cozy weekend getaway to nearby Bedford Springs that leaves you feeling pampered and refreshed.

‘Tis the season for giving your senses something exciting to look forward to!

3 | Invent new traditions and special occasions.

Go ahead. Make them up!

I learned in a marketing class once that naming things makes them way more appealing. (To children, but also to… grown up children.)

So another random week in February becomes “Home Video Nostalgia Week”. (Gasp! I can’t wait!)

Saturdays become “Surprise Adventure Days”, where family members take turns coming up with fun field trips, missions, outings, or treats to experience together. 

Explore the Palmer Museum Day

First Big Snow Neighborhood Sledding Day

Lupita’s Taco Picnic on the Living Room Floor Day

You get the idea!

These “homemade special occasions” can become even more special when they’re repeated year after year.

If we’re being honest, we know that this time of year can be rough.

But when we make it a point to infuse even little moments of significance into the long stretch of sameness? We’ll get to look back on a season that was filled with moments that sparked our senses, brought us joy, reignited our energy, and allowed us to do so much more than just survive a long winter.