The Magic of Winter

Winter. 

The longest night is approaching, when we can all discover the magic of the winter solstice.  The 21st December is the day when the night is actually longer than the day.  So, we have the least amount of sunlight on that day.  Because after the solstice the days begin to grow longer.

There is so much magic which surrounds us in the winter months.  Just take a moment and let your inner child see the wonder that is all around us when we venture outdoors. 

Are you a weather warrior?  Ready to seek out beauty in each and every new day.   The weather outside always seems worse from behind a window, but if you are wrap up nice and cosy, there is nothing more amazing than getting outdoors.  To walk over a carpet of crisp autumnal leaves or frosty wintery ground – share with your children the magic of the glorious season that only Winter can bring.  Dare to Explore!  Be Adventurous!   Discover!  Be curious!  Be Inquisitive!  Be a Risk Taker.

As Aristotle once said “To see the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand outdoors”

The winter landscape offers a sensory experience like no other.  As well as being a naturally calming environment, the children can gain so much from crunching through ice, feeling the cold air on their faces, and even playing out when it’s darker.

Such experiences enhance sensory investigation and provide rich experiences for fine motor skills as well as bodily awareness.  Exposure to cold weather can actually strengthen and boost a child's immune system.  Spending time outdoors in winter conditions help the body adapt to temperature changes and builds resilience against common illnesses. 

The winter sun, though less intense than in other seasons, still provides a valuable source of vitamin D. Outdoor play during daylight hours allows our children to absorb this essential vitamin, crucial for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Outdoor activities not only promote cardiovascular health but also hence our gross motor skills, strength and co-ordination.  Winter play introduces children to a new set of cognitive stimulation through winter challenges. Building structures with snow, navigating icy patches, and understanding the science behind freezing and melting provide cognitive stimulation. Problem-solving in a winter setting cultivates critical thinking skills and creativity.

But let's not forget that winter is also a time to rest, reflect and nurture our mental well-being in alignment with nature’s slower pace. Hygge embodies cozy togetherness, comfort, mindful presence and warmth – especially during the longer, darker winters.  We all need space to rest, reflect and regenerate – and emerge renewed. Hygge is all about embracing the simple moments in life with such warmth and comfort.  A snuggle under a blanket, a warming hot drink and a book to share with those we love.