Despite living in Canada, I’m not a winter person.

While British friends post photos of snowdrops and green daffodil shoots, I look out my window at snowdrifts knowing it will be almost three months before I see any such signs of spring here.

This January has seemed especially long and, more than usual, I’ve struggled to find coziness (cosiness!), comfort and cheer.

For others who find winter challenging, here are my three top tips to brighten these days.

Tip 1

Try something new.

I’d never read any Trixie Belden books, a ‘girl detective’ series published between the late 1940s and mid-1980s. I also don’t usually read mysteries, but when I spotted a 1970 edition of Trixie Belden and the Secret of the Mansion at a local thrift store (charity shop), I bought it.

Fun, engrossing and a reading escape, it’s the ‘something new’ I didn’t know I needed for these dark, cold evenings.

Tip 2

Follow uplifting social media accounts.

While I hope you follow my Facebook author page, where I post daily about my life and sometimes writing, I find my own cozy cheer with George, The Stourbridge Station Cat who lives at a railway station in England’s West Midlands.

Other places I like to hang out online are the Harlequin Heartwarming Authors Facebook page for feel-good content just like our books.

I also enjoy posts from Midcentury Fashion and Facebook groups including Bring Back the Brooch, Vintage Chapter Books for Children and Treeing Walking Coonhound Lovers (dogs like Floppy Ears).

Tip 3

Get together with friends.

Having lunch with a friend last Friday brightened my whole week.

A phone call with my sister-cousin. A Zoom with a dear author friend. My weekly ballet class.

Spending time with friends, whether in person or virtually, is good for both mental and physical health and makes life more fun.

And if all else fails?

It’s summer somewhere so choose a beach read or check out a webcam.

With Skyline webcams take your pick of Live cams from the most beautiful beaches in the world.

On my next lunch break, I’m heading to Amalfi on the Italian coast, no ticket or passport required!