Nicola here. Sometimes I’ve been inclined to think of January as a long, dark, cold month without a lot going for it, but I was talking to a friend the other day and she saw the month in quite a different light. “I love January,” she said. “I don’t spend much money and I get myself organised for the months ahead.” So as we approach Twelfth Night and the end of the traditional Christmastide, I thought I would muse on all the reasons there are to like January.
According to my Chambers Book of Days, the gemstone for January is the garnet and the birth flower is either the 
snowdrop or the carnation. At Ashdown Woods the first green shoots of the wild snowdrops are already pushing through the ground. By the end of the month they will be starting to flower. The snowdrop’s Latin name is Galanthus, from the Greek for “milk flower”. In French the snowdrop is known as the “perce-neige” because it pierces the snow, and the Germans call it Schneeglöckchen, little snowbell, which are all such pretty names suiting its delicate beauty. It’s real reminder of spring on the way.
This brings me to the weather. You may know the saying: “There’s no bad weather only bad clothing choices.” In my part of Northern Hemisphere it’s a time for scarves, gloves and hats and also waterproof layers. The rain may feel cold and raw but it’s also refreshing. And I love the sound the wind makes blowing through the bare branches of the trees. Darkness still arrives during the afternoon but the light lasts a little longer each day. My morning and evening walks give stormy skies and great views of the weather blowing across the Vale of the White Horse.
An old Celtic name for January was “the dead month” whilst the Anglo Saxons called it “Wolfmonath” which does send a 
shiver down the spine. It’s easy to see how January got its bad reputation. But there is so much pleasure in returning from a cold walk to a hot cup of tea, sitting down with a book whilst darkness falls outside, and enjoying the sense of new beginnings whether they are eagerly-anticipated TV shows or films, or a new course to join or a new interest to pursue.
What do you like – or even love – about January?
Well, I’m biased. I’m a January birthday girl. And which other month can boast that it has fireworks lighting the skies around the world announcing the start of a new year? Not a one but January. And many a marriage proposal has been voiced as the fireworks bring joy and romance fills the hearts of lovers. So whether it’s cold winter nights in those northern countries or soaking in the sun in countries in the south, January is a very special month.
Well, I’m biased. I’m a January birthday girl. And which other month can boast that it has fireworks lighting the skies around the world announcing the start of a new year? Not a one but January. And many a marriage proposal has been voiced as the fireworks bring joy and romance fills the hearts of lovers. So whether it’s cold winter nights in those northern countries or soaking in the sun in countries in the south, January is a very special month.
Well, I’m biased. I’m a January birthday girl. And which other month can boast that it has fireworks lighting the skies around the world announcing the start of a new year? Not a one but January. And many a marriage proposal has been voiced as the fireworks bring joy and romance fills the hearts of lovers. So whether it’s cold winter nights in those northern countries or soaking in the sun in countries in the south, January is a very special month.
Well, I’m biased. I’m a January birthday girl. And which other month can boast that it has fireworks lighting the skies around the world announcing the start of a new year? Not a one but January. And many a marriage proposal has been voiced as the fireworks bring joy and romance fills the hearts of lovers. So whether it’s cold winter nights in those northern countries or soaking in the sun in countries in the south, January is a very special month.
Well, I’m biased. I’m a January birthday girl. And which other month can boast that it has fireworks lighting the skies around the world announcing the start of a new year? Not a one but January. And many a marriage proposal has been voiced as the fireworks bring joy and romance fills the hearts of lovers. So whether it’s cold winter nights in those northern countries or soaking in the sun in countries in the south, January is a very special month.
Happy January,Enisa! I’m glad it’s such a special month for you. I hadn’t thought of it as a romantic time, but absolutely it is. I hope you have a great month!
Happy January,Enisa! I’m glad it’s such a special month for you. I hadn’t thought of it as a romantic time, but absolutely it is. I hope you have a great month!
Happy January,Enisa! I’m glad it’s such a special month for you. I hadn’t thought of it as a romantic time, but absolutely it is. I hope you have a great month!
Happy January,Enisa! I’m glad it’s such a special month for you. I hadn’t thought of it as a romantic time, but absolutely it is. I hope you have a great month!
Happy January,Enisa! I’m glad it’s such a special month for you. I hadn’t thought of it as a romantic time, but absolutely it is. I hope you have a great month!
I love January! I’m an autumn/winter person so the dark appeals to me and as you said, one can curl up with a book by the fire or light candles to make the house feel cozy. I also like wild weather and as long as I have the right clothing, I don’t mind being out in it. I do wish we’d get a bit more snow here in the UK as it brightens things up, but rain and thunderstorms are lovely too. Great post!
I love January! I’m an autumn/winter person so the dark appeals to me and as you said, one can curl up with a book by the fire or light candles to make the house feel cozy. I also like wild weather and as long as I have the right clothing, I don’t mind being out in it. I do wish we’d get a bit more snow here in the UK as it brightens things up, but rain and thunderstorms are lovely too. Great post!
I love January! I’m an autumn/winter person so the dark appeals to me and as you said, one can curl up with a book by the fire or light candles to make the house feel cozy. I also like wild weather and as long as I have the right clothing, I don’t mind being out in it. I do wish we’d get a bit more snow here in the UK as it brightens things up, but rain and thunderstorms are lovely too. Great post!
I love January! I’m an autumn/winter person so the dark appeals to me and as you said, one can curl up with a book by the fire or light candles to make the house feel cozy. I also like wild weather and as long as I have the right clothing, I don’t mind being out in it. I do wish we’d get a bit more snow here in the UK as it brightens things up, but rain and thunderstorms are lovely too. Great post!
I love January! I’m an autumn/winter person so the dark appeals to me and as you said, one can curl up with a book by the fire or light candles to make the house feel cozy. I also like wild weather and as long as I have the right clothing, I don’t mind being out in it. I do wish we’d get a bit more snow here in the UK as it brightens things up, but rain and thunderstorms are lovely too. Great post!
I’m also fond of the piece and quiet of January. As an Upstate New Yorker, I’m well prepared for cold and snow, and I love the cold brilliance of sun after snow (which is what today is like here.) Love the different European names for snowdrops!
I’m also fond of the piece and quiet of January. As an Upstate New Yorker, I’m well prepared for cold and snow, and I love the cold brilliance of sun after snow (which is what today is like here.) Love the different European names for snowdrops!
I’m also fond of the piece and quiet of January. As an Upstate New Yorker, I’m well prepared for cold and snow, and I love the cold brilliance of sun after snow (which is what today is like here.) Love the different European names for snowdrops!
I’m also fond of the piece and quiet of January. As an Upstate New Yorker, I’m well prepared for cold and snow, and I love the cold brilliance of sun after snow (which is what today is like here.) Love the different European names for snowdrops!
I’m also fond of the piece and quiet of January. As an Upstate New Yorker, I’m well prepared for cold and snow, and I love the cold brilliance of sun after snow (which is what today is like here.) Love the different European names for snowdrops!
Yes, wouldn’t it be lovely to get a bit more snow in the UK! Today when I was out a few flakes floated down – and turned to rain! But I do love our weather, most of the time! I’m glad you’re a January person too, Christina!
Yes, wouldn’t it be lovely to get a bit more snow in the UK! Today when I was out a few flakes floated down – and turned to rain! But I do love our weather, most of the time! I’m glad you’re a January person too, Christina!
Yes, wouldn’t it be lovely to get a bit more snow in the UK! Today when I was out a few flakes floated down – and turned to rain! But I do love our weather, most of the time! I’m glad you’re a January person too, Christina!
Yes, wouldn’t it be lovely to get a bit more snow in the UK! Today when I was out a few flakes floated down – and turned to rain! But I do love our weather, most of the time! I’m glad you’re a January person too, Christina!
Yes, wouldn’t it be lovely to get a bit more snow in the UK! Today when I was out a few flakes floated down – and turned to rain! But I do love our weather, most of the time! I’m glad you’re a January person too, Christina!
I like winter hikes during the day and curling up with a hot beverage, my cats, and plenty of warm fleeces. I’ll sit out on my back porch in the dark and listen. On clear nights, night sounds travel further allowing for identification of wildlife I can’t see. Last night while reading I heard “Who who who who, who who who who!” A Barred Owl was nesting in my Norway spruce, just out side my bedroom window. A male barred owl has taken up residence. I did not hear a female answering back, but there will be a lady caller soon. (A good memory device for the call is: Who cooks for you? Cooks for you all!”) Later in January, the air will take on a musky, skunky air as foxes, skunks, gophers and other critters will enter into breeding season. If you pay attention, the natural world make January a much more interesting month.
I like winter hikes during the day and curling up with a hot beverage, my cats, and plenty of warm fleeces. I’ll sit out on my back porch in the dark and listen. On clear nights, night sounds travel further allowing for identification of wildlife I can’t see. Last night while reading I heard “Who who who who, who who who who!” A Barred Owl was nesting in my Norway spruce, just out side my bedroom window. A male barred owl has taken up residence. I did not hear a female answering back, but there will be a lady caller soon. (A good memory device for the call is: Who cooks for you? Cooks for you all!”) Later in January, the air will take on a musky, skunky air as foxes, skunks, gophers and other critters will enter into breeding season. If you pay attention, the natural world make January a much more interesting month.
I like winter hikes during the day and curling up with a hot beverage, my cats, and plenty of warm fleeces. I’ll sit out on my back porch in the dark and listen. On clear nights, night sounds travel further allowing for identification of wildlife I can’t see. Last night while reading I heard “Who who who who, who who who who!” A Barred Owl was nesting in my Norway spruce, just out side my bedroom window. A male barred owl has taken up residence. I did not hear a female answering back, but there will be a lady caller soon. (A good memory device for the call is: Who cooks for you? Cooks for you all!”) Later in January, the air will take on a musky, skunky air as foxes, skunks, gophers and other critters will enter into breeding season. If you pay attention, the natural world make January a much more interesting month.
I like winter hikes during the day and curling up with a hot beverage, my cats, and plenty of warm fleeces. I’ll sit out on my back porch in the dark and listen. On clear nights, night sounds travel further allowing for identification of wildlife I can’t see. Last night while reading I heard “Who who who who, who who who who!” A Barred Owl was nesting in my Norway spruce, just out side my bedroom window. A male barred owl has taken up residence. I did not hear a female answering back, but there will be a lady caller soon. (A good memory device for the call is: Who cooks for you? Cooks for you all!”) Later in January, the air will take on a musky, skunky air as foxes, skunks, gophers and other critters will enter into breeding season. If you pay attention, the natural world make January a much more interesting month.
I like winter hikes during the day and curling up with a hot beverage, my cats, and plenty of warm fleeces. I’ll sit out on my back porch in the dark and listen. On clear nights, night sounds travel further allowing for identification of wildlife I can’t see. Last night while reading I heard “Who who who who, who who who who!” A Barred Owl was nesting in my Norway spruce, just out side my bedroom window. A male barred owl has taken up residence. I did not hear a female answering back, but there will be a lady caller soon. (A good memory device for the call is: Who cooks for you? Cooks for you all!”) Later in January, the air will take on a musky, skunky air as foxes, skunks, gophers and other critters will enter into breeding season. If you pay attention, the natural world make January a much more interesting month.
It sounds as though you have a beautiful day there, Mary Jo! January can be a very peaceful month, can’t it, after all the hurly burly of Christmas. A time to refresh!
It sounds as though you have a beautiful day there, Mary Jo! January can be a very peaceful month, can’t it, after all the hurly burly of Christmas. A time to refresh!
It sounds as though you have a beautiful day there, Mary Jo! January can be a very peaceful month, can’t it, after all the hurly burly of Christmas. A time to refresh!
It sounds as though you have a beautiful day there, Mary Jo! January can be a very peaceful month, can’t it, after all the hurly burly of Christmas. A time to refresh!
It sounds as though you have a beautiful day there, Mary Jo! January can be a very peaceful month, can’t it, after all the hurly burly of Christmas. A time to refresh!
Thanks for your thoughtful piece, Nicola. I am pondering….
Thanks for your thoughtful piece, Nicola. I am pondering….
Thanks for your thoughtful piece, Nicola. I am pondering….
Thanks for your thoughtful piece, Nicola. I am pondering….
Thanks for your thoughtful piece, Nicola. I am pondering….
It’s a hot summer’s day here in Aus, Nicola, and reading your post made me actually MISS winter! (Never thought I’d hear myself saying that:) )
It’s a hot summer’s day here in Aus, Nicola, and reading your post made me actually MISS winter! (Never thought I’d hear myself saying that:) )
It’s a hot summer’s day here in Aus, Nicola, and reading your post made me actually MISS winter! (Never thought I’d hear myself saying that:) )
It’s a hot summer’s day here in Aus, Nicola, and reading your post made me actually MISS winter! (Never thought I’d hear myself saying that:) )
It’s a hot summer’s day here in Aus, Nicola, and reading your post made me actually MISS winter! (Never thought I’d hear myself saying that:) )
January is the holiday month in Australia. School is out, it’s hot so people go on vacation (although not so much this year, Covid is keeping everyone home). Actually, Jan and Feb are my least favourite months because they are too hot and humid. Your version of Jan sounds much better!
January is the holiday month in Australia. School is out, it’s hot so people go on vacation (although not so much this year, Covid is keeping everyone home). Actually, Jan and Feb are my least favourite months because they are too hot and humid. Your version of Jan sounds much better!
January is the holiday month in Australia. School is out, it’s hot so people go on vacation (although not so much this year, Covid is keeping everyone home). Actually, Jan and Feb are my least favourite months because they are too hot and humid. Your version of Jan sounds much better!
January is the holiday month in Australia. School is out, it’s hot so people go on vacation (although not so much this year, Covid is keeping everyone home). Actually, Jan and Feb are my least favourite months because they are too hot and humid. Your version of Jan sounds much better!
January is the holiday month in Australia. School is out, it’s hot so people go on vacation (although not so much this year, Covid is keeping everyone home). Actually, Jan and Feb are my least favourite months because they are too hot and humid. Your version of Jan sounds much better!
What wonderful descriptions, Pamela! I love thinking of that owl calling from your spruce tree. How marvellously evocative!
What wonderful descriptions, Pamela! I love thinking of that owl calling from your spruce tree. How marvellously evocative!
What wonderful descriptions, Pamela! I love thinking of that owl calling from your spruce tree. How marvellously evocative!
What wonderful descriptions, Pamela! I love thinking of that owl calling from your spruce tree. How marvellously evocative!
What wonderful descriptions, Pamela! I love thinking of that owl calling from your spruce tree. How marvellously evocative!
Thank you, Kareni! I’m glad you liked it.
Thank you, Kareni! I’m glad you liked it.
Thank you, Kareni! I’m glad you liked it.
Thank you, Kareni! I’m glad you liked it.
Thank you, Kareni! I’m glad you liked it.
LOL! And you’ve made me miss summer, Marilyn!
LOL! And you’ve made me miss summer, Marilyn!
LOL! And you’ve made me miss summer, Marilyn!
LOL! And you’ve made me miss summer, Marilyn!
LOL! And you’ve made me miss summer, Marilyn!
That does sound a bit too much humidity to deal with, Deb. There’s a lot to be said for a northern hemisphere January in that at least you;re unlikely to be too hot!
That does sound a bit too much humidity to deal with, Deb. There’s a lot to be said for a northern hemisphere January in that at least you;re unlikely to be too hot!
That does sound a bit too much humidity to deal with, Deb. There’s a lot to be said for a northern hemisphere January in that at least you;re unlikely to be too hot!
That does sound a bit too much humidity to deal with, Deb. There’s a lot to be said for a northern hemisphere January in that at least you;re unlikely to be too hot!
That does sound a bit too much humidity to deal with, Deb. There’s a lot to be said for a northern hemisphere January in that at least you;re unlikely to be too hot!