Hibernaculum

       

Photo by Martin Animals

     I'm getting in the Hibernaculum band wagon to describe my home and thus my approach to January. Both the sweet Mary on her post and Sue both wrote about it recently. I have been hibernating of sorts. If I don't need to leave my house, other than necessary dog/ exercise walks, I don't. I guess it's full circle from five years ago when staying home was about trying to keep ourselves and other healthy. Today it's both trying to keep me mentally healthy. (Less exposure to cold, flu, and other viruses doesn't hurt either.)

    Space for hibernating leaves room for things I didn't feel justified being able to do in spring, summer, and fall. Binge watching a television show, at a scheduled time, feels appropriate and not lazy. Easy meals that literally just get dumped in the crockpot feel both cozy but also resourceful as it maximizes the veg that's more affordable than others in the winter and less expensive protein options and is energy efficient. 

     Having people over, like my sister for a football game, sister's for bookclub and cards, or the girls for a curry means I'm still  socializing, but without needing to get dressed other than for comfort. Of course I've still got outings; grocery shopping, the library, a couple birthday celebrations, errands and then a visit with my MIL, maybe even church in person but these are stretched apart, and have a lot of  calendar between. 

     I have lovely neighbors, but a pleasant wave or how are you when we shovel at the same time suffices for pleasantries as we both want to get back indoors. Now come spring and then summer, I'll gladly join them for a cold drink or morning cup of coffee, a long chat back from a walk, or grabbing gloves and helping each other pull weeds and get caught up. But that's not January. 

     Yes, I'm not necessarily embracing the month, but allowing my mind and body to be absorbed into it. The months leading to January have flown by and here we are already to the 20th. February is short. I'll be helping traveling relatives with pet care and  a car pool now and then for a grandchild. February is filled with sports I can lean into and then I'm in prep mode for my own vacation. Being like the animals that cozy up in their dens is a good way to January. 

Comments

  1. AprilJanuary 20, 2026 at 7:08 AM

    I am laughing as I read this, Sam. We do not have the SNOW that you have up in St. Paul, but today it is a cozy 4 degrees out, -3 with wind chill. So yes, we have a lot of "wave at the neighbor but get into the house FAST" moments. And walking, which I do almost every single day, is out of the question today. Even if I bundle up, it is too dangerous to be out that long. Stay safe and stay WARM!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ElleJanuary 20, 2026 at 8:26 AM

    It is sooo real. When retired, it's even more real. It's warmer here than your area, but no sun for more than 7d, an inversion in our little valley, and staying between 25-32F. So it's moist cold which feels colder.

    Happy Tuesday to you Sam!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anne in the kitchenJanuary 20, 2026 at 9:20 AM

    I enjoy the downtime I find in January. I do get out and about a little, but I am very content staying at home It is cold here, at least it's Alabama cold below freezing. Of course there is no snow to shovel, just leaves that are still falling. I think we are one good high wind day and that will be the end of them until next fall.
    Right now I am concentrating on doing inside the house chores like cleaning cabinets and closets, basically doing the things I don't want to waste a spring day doing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. obscureJanuary 20, 2026 at 10:13 AM

    I think so many people feel the same this year. I am the opposite of a homebody but am trying to embrace what my body (and nervous system with all the horror going on - especially in your area) is telling me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chef OwingsJanuary 20, 2026 at 10:54 AM

    We were -7 this morning in Ohio. We don't go unless need, thankful we fenced one of the acres around the house so the dogs (now just dog) could run around. I put in my seed order for the gardens. STICKER SHOCK.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2026 at 11:06 AM

    Ever since I established my own household I have preferred to be home, even in the midst of summer! I have been told for years I need to “get out more,” but I truly prefer to be home.
    -Meg B.

    ReplyDelete
  7. BelindaJanuary 20, 2026 at 12:02 PM

    I've been hibernating some too as it's too cold to do much of anything else. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  8. CelieJanuary 20, 2026 at 12:54 PM

    I am hibernating as well. Today though I need to run to the grocery store and restock for the upcoming cold spell! I'll still head out on Friday for the local protest, but otherwise will stay in. Gotta love retirement that lets us hibernate!

    ReplyDelete
  9. BijouxJanuary 20, 2026 at 2:25 PM

    I've never heard that term, but I like it! We are definitely doing less this month than any other month and I'm not feeling bad about gaining a few pounds due to eating comfort food and not going on walks. I'm still working out, but have cut back. It was 1 degree when I drove to babysit my grandkids this morning which really takes the energy out of me. My daughter who lives with us and I do puzzles in January in the dining room, which gets the morning sun (when there's actually sun) so we try to work on them then.

    ReplyDelete

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