Hello Wednesday!
I am extra excited about this Wednesday because it’s our first WELLNESS WEDNESDAY of 2026 🙂 .
You know me…I love all things wellness related. My family constantly teases me because I’m A-L-W-A-Y-S referencing a podcast episode on the topic. Smith told me on our vacation that I used the word “microplastics” one too many times. Bahahaha! I can’t help it. I am who I am.
This year, I have SO MANY wellness related things to discuss with you. From foods and fasting to exercise and HRT, podcasts you should check out, books you should read, things you should explore on the subject of health and wellness (including emotional health and faith), I have a LONG list. But you know what I’m going to start with today?
Hibernating.
In December, I finished reading through…
…Evergreen by Lydia Millen.
This was actually one of the first books I received in January last year (my sweet friend Lauren gifted it to me), but it was the last book I finished in 2025. I kept this book in my reading area and read a little each week all year long. The author covers winter, spring, summer, fall and the Christmas season. In each section, she shares her own personal stories, decorating tips, recipes, and so many inspirational and motivational ideas.
I loved the book so much that I am going to read through it again this year too.
In this book, at the end of December, she speaks to how the winter months (after the holiday season) are the perfect time to hibernate. And you guys, that really inspired me.
This winter, I am going to try and hibernate.
Let’s be real, I love being a busy bee. I love being active, I love being productive, I love being outside in the sunshine, I love working, I love entertaining, I love spending time with friends and family. I love every day. Buuuuuut…
I also love being cozy. I love lighting candles and making hearty suppers. I love curling up on the couch with my hubs and my pups by the fire. I love snuggling in and reading. I love taking off my pants and putting on sweats as soon as the sun sets. I love staying in too.
If there is ever a season to allow myself “less busy bee” and more “hibernating”, it’s January and February.
So this season, I’m going to lean in to it.
Should you be feeling a little pressured to get busy and do all the “January things” right now (clean your closet, start a new exercise plan, eat better, etc), I think that’s great and I love those goals…but I’m also here to remind you it’s the perfect time to do less and be cozy too. With shorter days and darker nights, it’s the perfect time to hibernate. I was inspired by Evergreen to settle in and do this, and I’m hoping some of you will be too.
It’s the PERFECT time…
…to add a little Hygge into your life too!
I have my own personal 21 WAYS TO HYGGE you might want to check out too this winter season.
One last little bit as you hibernate, you might need a new book for a cozy winter. These are all books I love (many I’m re-reading!) to kick off my 2026…
Of course, I started The Bible Recap over again on the first. It’s not too late to start!! Our group would love to have you too!
Cozy Up by Jennifer Melville is the PERFECT little hibernation read for your winter. This book is so encouraging and just plain adorable.
I love Morning Rituals by Leslie Koren too! It’s a very inspiring little read.
I began The Road to La Papillon for the fourth year in a row on January 1st. No matter how many times I read the little daily passages, I’m inspired. You can start any time. I actually think I started in mid-July the first time.
As I began Evergreen again this month, I once again loved this quote from the introduction: And it {the seasons} has a special gift for reminding us that bucketloads of joy can be found year-round in what can often feel like a joy-deprived world.
I love that perspective. I am going to find the joy in winter and part of that will be me hibernating a bit more.
Now, today, I am also sharing PART ONE from our WINTER BREAK TRIP TO GERMANY AND POLAND. Make sure you check out that post too.
Happy hibernating, friends! I’ll see you tomorrow. xx
Elspeth Mizner says
Such a good reminder!! I too find myself always being in the go, this will encourage me to slow down!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Jeanie H says
I adore Lydia Millen. Her TikToks are really fun to follow.
Ashley | Make Life Marvelous says
Thanks for sharing all these books, Shay! I’m really enjoying your IG page for The Bible Recap. It feels so satisfying to hop over there and like that day’s post and put my check mark emoji! I’ve tried to do the recap for a few years and have failed, so I’m hoping this is the year I stick with it, and your group will definitely help! I actually missed the one on the 4th but caught back up on the 5th and am right on track again. 🙂
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh wonderful!! I am so so happy you’re participating too!
Bren says
Welcome back, Shay! Looking forward the recaps of your winter break trip!
I believe I started reading with you around the same time as Ashby’s day, and I am reading today amazed ~ that it’s been 11 years and also in awe of the work of God in Ashby, in your family and in everyone who knows her and has followed your family’s story. As always, thank you for sharing all that you do.
Paige E says
I love this! With the earlier sunsets I often find myself trying to force outdoor workouts in the cold and dark after work, and have decided to instead, give myself to permission to really lean into my indoor workouts. I want to focus on upping my weights and doing fun little indoor walking workouts on youtube. This releases me to get my dog outside first thing after work for a nice relaxing walk and not rushing and stressing that I won’t have enough time for a run or have to run in the dark. Why can’t workouts also have seasons? Happy January!
Kelly Sites says
The wellness parts of your blog are my biggest favorites. I’m into it as well, and really LOVE books, podcasts, blogs, You Tube videos, and anything related. I love thinking through spiritual, emotional, relational, physical and mental parts of my life and improving a little each day. Happy hibernation.
Nicole says
Oh I love this and really try to lean into it because well…I live in Michigan, so it’s dark, grey and freezing. I have all of the books you mentioned and am so excited to fully embrace this season of slowing down!
Maddie says
Oh I love this! Wellness is one of my words for 2026, so I’ve been incorporating a few new things into my routines. Hibernating sounds fabulous!
Faith Kapp says
This post came at a perfect time. The winter months can be hard (and it’s not always the weather – it’s going to be 70 here today!). However, the holidays can bring so much joy. Then the lights come down, family leaves, and it can be depressing. I do like a cozy night in sweats – that’s not an issue for me lol But I am going to get back to being active physically. But joy CAN be found in each season. I needed that reminder.
Erika Slaughter says
My favorite time to hibernate??? SNOW DAYS!!! It’s about that time I year I start praying for a few!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am going to pray with you…because this weather is ridiculous right now!
Brooke says
Yay! I was hoping Wellness Wednesday would continue in 2026. I mean I figured it would but I am still excited for it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank YOU, I am too!
Cher says
I have been and will be hibernating in January and February as I am scheduled for surgery next week. I am normally not much of a book reader —thought this might be a good time to try reading again. In preparation for my hibernation, I purchased your top three books of 2025. I have already finished The Secret Book of Flora Lea and Broken Country which were both excellent. I hope to start One Good Thing today. Looks like I will need to soon peruse more of your book reviews. Thank you for all your hard work on reviewing and posting information on the books you have read.
Mix and Match Mama says
Sending you so so so much love as you recover. Please let us know how you’re doing. I hope you LOVE One Good Thing 🙂 .
Cher says
Thank you so much for the kind words which are very much appreciated.
Melanie says
Loving Evergreen! Thanks for the suggestion!
Kristy says
Welcome home! I ordered Evergreen, excited about that. I have been thinking about winter and changing seasons and wonder if since we live in Dallas where winter is moderate, it makes it harder for me. I grew up in the Midwest, so routines changed in winter automatically. Anyway, I’d love to hear how you’re going to think about it! The joy quote is so good.
Mix and Match Mama says
I very much wish I lived somewhere with four distinct seasons. I think there is so much beauty and joy to be found in each specific season (I don’t dislike a one) that I wish I could really dig into each one. I think Dallas gives a really good spring, a pretty decent fall, an okay winter…but that summer is just too.damn.long.
Dana J says
I’ve been hibernating in January for a few years now and I love it!! It helps me feel nice and refreshed after a busy holiday season! Hope you enjoy your hibernating time!!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
My favorite thing to do is curl up under my electric blanket at night when I’m either reading or watching TV!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, Andrew and I were JUST having the electric blanket conversation about four days ago. Growing up in the 80s/90s, we always had electric blankets around, but our kids didn’t even know what they were. I love that you have one. I think I might need one too.
Kristen says
My heated electric throw blanket is hands down the best thing I own!!!!!
Jennifer Melville says
Thank you again for recommending one of my little books! xoxo Cozy Up! is really one of my favorites…and so necessary in January (:
Mix and Match Mama says
I cannot wait to read it again. Thank YOU for stopping by to say hi! xx
Suzanne Hines says
One of my favorite books to read in January is called “How to Winter”. I struggle with seasonal depression and live in a place that is dreary and gray for most of winter, so it’s not an exaggeration to say that this book changed my life!
AW says
When you are in a Mardi Gras krewe, January and February are not only not boring, they’re the busiest months of the year! 🤪 But SO MUCH FUN! 💜💚💛⚜️ Laissez les bon temps roulee!