Staying Home for the Winter

 Flowers at Mrs. White's Table in Vermont.

The cold has settled in amidst the beauty of a snowy winter landscape. This is the time of year when it is better to just stay home as much as possible.  I often think how lovely it would be to take a walk on our property and just slowly take in the beauty of the season. 

Often, in the early evening, after the sun has set, my husband will offer to take me outside to walk down the long driveway and see the Christmas lights on the house. We usually leave them up through the cold winter months. They bring a sense of cheer and a happiness that brightens the mood.  He only asks me this when there is a gentle snow falling because it adds to the beauty of the experience.  I only accept this offer on rare occasions because, to be frank, it is far too cold for me.

When we return from this kind of walk, it is hard for me to get warm. I bundle up with blankets and pretty house coats and stay close to the fire.  A chill sets in that is hard for me to shake.  I will have a hot cup of tea and read a nice book while I recover from the cold.  Then I comfort myself by saying, "I am not going out there again until spring."  I want to stay home for the winter.

On errand days, I realize I must wear my warmest winter things and do the grocery shopping. I am grateful I don't have to go alone. Usually one of my grown sons goes with me.  It is a tremendous help to have someone along who can help in the work.  It is an exhausting ordeal to be out in the elements, with wind and snow and cold.  But the beauty and the serenity of the vision makes it a worthwhile blessing. 

I am always so grateful to have a warm and cozy home to come back to.  I am also thankful I don't have to go out very often.  

This is the time of year to sit by the window and enjoy the view. It is the time to sew and read and putter about the house, doing little projects.  It is also the most wonderful blessing when company stops by for a visit! These are our grown children and grandchildren.  This is the most lovely time of hospitality.  We usher the guests into the home and help them get warm and comfortable.  We sit by the fire and visit and laugh, enjoying the fellowship.  Being together, at home, is the greatest form of recreation.

Home is the center of our lives.  It is the place I always want to be. I find I am most grateful for this place in the coldest winter months when I really must stay at home. Being snowed-in can provide a beautiful lesson in simple living and old fashioned ways.

Blessings

Mrs. White

 From the Archives - 

God's precious care of our lives (Includes a story about Mrs. Charles Spurgeon) - All of God's Children Have Shoes.

Peaceful old time Living - Quiet Duties of Home.  

Beautiful Summer days at home (and living on a "Walton's Budget") - Old Time Homemaking. 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

 

Get ready for a New Year of Daily Devotions:

Be sure to Order a copy of this Peaceful devotional, Reprinted from a rare miniature book from the 1800's.

"Daily Food for Christians." 

 ISBN: 978-1956616064

Includes one year's worth of daily devotions. Preface by Mrs. White. 

Originally published by the American Tract Society. We have brought this book back into print through The Legacy of Home Press.

 Paperback, 215 pages. 

Excellent and highly recommended! 

 For more information, and to see the special features of this book, please visit The Legacy of Home Press blog. 

*  This same book was owned by 1800's author, Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss. *