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The more I embrace a traditional lifestyle, the fonder I become of winter. Throughout the other seasons, I’m busy growing, raising and preserving food for the table! But when the land finally rests under a blanket of snow, it means I get to rest. Truth be told, I relish these short, quiet days when a full teapot and a fluffy pair of socks are a regular occurrence!
This is the time for implementing low-key, indoor activities! So today, I’m going to bring you my top, 4 traditional skills for the winter season!
Traditional Skill #1: The Art of Handwork
I rarely do handwork in the summer. There simply isn’t time or energy! But after Christmas? Life slows and it’s the perfect time for these activities. Whether you knit or crochet, quilt, or have a special skill up your sleeve, handwork is therapeutic to those who enjoy being creative with their hands!
Traditional Skill #2: Preserve Your Household Jams and Jellies
There’s no better time for jam and jelly making than a cold winter day! Your freezer will preserve fruit nicely until this time comes ’round. I love the sweet and tangy aroma that fills the house as fruits and berries simmer on the stove top. And there’s something very satisfying about putting up food in the dead of winter!
Traditional Skill #3: Replenish Your Natural Soap Supply
This is the best time to replenish your natural, homemade soap supply! Unlike summertime, it doesn’t matter if you create extra heat in the kitchen. Having skin-nourishing soap on hand (no pun intended!) is important to me. I also enjoy the creativity that comes with the addition of herb, spices and natural colorants.
If you haven’t developed this skill already, there’s no time like the present! I highly recommend purchasing this book if you’re interested in creating natural soap for your home!
Traditional Skill #4: Create Your Own Beeswax Candles
The glow and honey-like aroma of the beeswax candle creates a warm atmosphere on a cold winter day! Who doesn’t love candles? Did you know, it’s actually quite simple to create your own beeswax candles?
But not many people do it themselves today. It’s a shame, because commercially produced candles are loaded with toxic substances! For this reason, we only ever use beeswax candles in our home.
I have a confession to make at this point: while we do burn beeswax candles, I have yet to make them myself! They’ve been on my ‘to-learn’ list since summer.
You see, when we harvested honey last summer, we also gathered extra beeswax. I learned how to melt, filter and mold it for use in salves, lotions and (one day) homemade candles. With nearly 2 lbs of raw, aromatic, golden wax waiting in storage for me, I’ve been dying to try my hand at creating dipped candles!
Once we’re through with this crazy, house building season, I’m going to do it. So make sure you’re following my Facebook or my Instagram page, as I’ll be posting pictures there!
What Are Your Favorite, Winter Skills?
These are my 4 traditional skills for the winter season! And now? I’d love to know which skills you practice! And which one/s are on your bucket list?
Please leave me a comment in the commenting section below! Remember…I taught you how, so no more excuses, please! 😉
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