They say dress up for winter, not down. I’m not sure I agree. Yes, always try to look good at work, but doesn’t winter beg us to haul out those oh so warm, but fuzzy, socks out of the draw. The one’s that look like they were bought in Diagone Alley, with their gaudy strips, or zebra that look like cows.

They say that spring is the season of love, but I’m not sure that I agree. Who doesn’t want a cuddle on the couch under the pretence of “getting warmer”? What is more romantic than a fire in the fireplace, and a glass or two of an inner warmth enhancing something? Winter is a time for sharing good food and warmth with friends and family. Let’s get the family into the kitchen to make those monster size muffins, or just a nibble of something warm and tasty.

There is also a certain unhurriedness to winter that give us time to be a little more introspective and to plan how to redirect the second half of the year, or to reactivate our sense of purpose. Use this time wisely because when spring comes the emphasis is on renewal. Spring is the time to implement the changes planned during these lazy days of winter.