10 Cozy Ways To Romanticize Winter and Make It Magical

Here are 10 cozy and magical tips to romanticize winter and make yourself feel like the main character in a winter-themed movie.

I just finished my fifth rewatch of ‘Gilmore Girls’ and I don’t think there’s any show that captures the essence of fall and winter better.

I have many favorite scenes and lines, of course. But Lorelai Gilmore whispering ‘I smell snow’ will forever be etched in a corner of my heart.

I relate to her love for winter more than anything else, and romanticizing this season is a mission I take very seriously every year, hence this post.

In case you don’t know, romanticizing means making your everyday moments special by doing extra things.

If you have a habit of journaling, do it in a cute notebook that means something to you, and use colored pens that make you want to keep writing.

If you want to have tea, pour it into your favorite mug, place it on a tray, sit down with a book next to the window, and savor it slowly.

These are very simple examples of romanticizing, but they give you main character energy, which is what it’s all about.

And winter, being a slow and magical season, is literally made for romanticizing.

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You can’t move to Stars Hollow (the fictional town from Gilmore Girls), but you sure can romanticize your winter days and channel your inner Lorelai Gilmore.

If you’re ready to find wonder in winter, then read on. You’re going to love this post.

How To Romanticize Winter – 10 Magical Ways

1. Create a cozy winter corner just for yourself

Every year, when the days start getting colder, setting up my winter corner is the first thing I do. It makes even my ordinary moments feel like magic.

You can pick a corner of the sofa in your living room, or a chair by the window, or even your bed. And then get working on making it as pretty and cozy as humanly possible.

You can add fairy lights, throw a fluffy blanket, put candles nearby, and of course, a stack of your favorite books.

Another great idea: A small basket with hot chocolate packets, tea bags, and some snacks, so it’s like your personal winter retreat.

It’s a simple and fun thing, but it will make you feel like you’re living in a winter-themed movie.

2. Romanticize your hot drinks ritual

As much as I love iced lattes in summer, warm drinks are what I live for.

During winter, coffees and teas aren’t just for keeping you warm, but they’re a whole different mood.

And if you romanticize your hot drinks, then you’re in for quite a treat.

Anyone can make a coffee quickly in the morning, but since you and I are here to enjoy winter, we’re going to turn the act into a ritual.

Instead of whipping up your drink, take your time to froth the milk, sprinkle cinnamon on top, and serve it in a mug and tray that you really love.

Add a little routine to it: light a candle, play soft music, and sip slowly in your cozy winter corner.

When you do this, every cup of drink throughout the season will feel like a hug, and you’ll look forward to making your morning tea/coffee/chai as much as drinking it.

3. Dress up for your walks like you’re in a winter romance movie

In the past, I’ve fully embraced my lazy girl era during winter. I’d roll out of bed in slacks and an old tee, and just throw on a sweatshirt before stepping outside for my morning walk.

But once you start romanticizing, it’s hard to go back to that phase. Now, I am all about dressing up for my walks, and it feels uh-mazing.

It might take you an extra 10 minutes to get pretty for your walk, but doing it will make you want to step out the next day, and then the next.

And if it makes you feel like you’re in a winter romance movie, then why not?!

Put on a cozy sweater or one of your cute sweatshirts, or go for a matching set. And accessorize with a cute pendant and some colored lip balm.

When you’re walking to buy groceries or taking a stroll in the evening, bundle up in a cute scarf, maybe a long coat, and headphones playing soft music.

Feel free to for a hot chocolate or tea from a stall on the way, and warm your hands on the cup. These moments are what make your boring walks feel cinematic and lovely.

4. Bake something that makes your whole house smell like winter

Cookies, banana bread, cinnamon rolls… even if you’re not a baker, just try one simple recipe and let the smell fill your space.

The act of waiting while something bakes is so romantic, like you’re nurturing yourself with time and warmth.

And when you finally take that first bite, that feel is chef’s kiss (even if it is not coz you messed up the recipe, haha).

And you’ll always associate that smell with this season of your life, like a cozy little memory capsule.

5. Make a winter playlist

Music plays a big role in setting up the mood, so make use of it this winter to romanticize your days.

Make a winter playlist with songs that remind you of crackling fireplaces, snow outside the window, and the feeling of being wrapped in a blanket.

Add some acoustic songs, soft instrumentals, and definitely some old classics that give you nostalgia.

Listen to your playlist while journaling, writing, scrolling on your phone, or doing any chore around the house, so that you feel like you’re sitting in a cafe while it’s snowing outside.

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6. Start a little winter tradition just for yourself

Traditions, rituals, and holidays are what make winter such a special season. But to make it more personalized, you should have a winter tradition that’s all yours,

Maybe every Sunday evening, you watch a cozy movie with a blanket and a treat.

Or you go out once a week for a seasonal drink by yourself. Or maybe you light a candle at 7pm every evening to wind down and get cozy.

Traditions like these make time feel special, like the days aren’t just slipping away from you but actually flowing.

And the best reason to do this is to make winter yours, by doing something that’s just for you and you alone.

7. Write letters (to yourself or others)

Even though there’s no need for letter-writing today, it’s a practice that connects you to people (and yourself) on a personal level.

And doing it in winter is just pure love for some reason.

You could write little notes to your future self about what you’re learning this season, or send a letter to a friend just because.

Pair it with tea and cozy socks, and suddenly you’re in a scene straight out of a nostalgic novel.

Make sure to decorate the envelope with doodles, stickers, and washi tape to make it feel like art!

8. Slow down with seasonal self-care

Self-care should be a year-round practice for you, but during winter, it needs to be even more present.

Despite all the beauty this season comes with, it can get lonely for your mind and harsh for your body.

And of course, winter self-care and romanticizing go hand-in-hand, so that’s another reason to turn up your self-care dial.

Take long bubble baths, do skincare nights with a face mask, and put on thick socks and lotion before bed.

Read in bed under a pile of blankets, and make time for journaling to declutter your thoughts.

Do a 10-minute meditation to the sound of fire crackling in the background, and make yourself hot tea (even better if it’s herbal).

Winter gives you the perfect excuse to slow down and indulge in rituals that feel nourishing. The slower you go, the more magical winter feels.

9. Romanticize mornings by watching the sunrise

Yes, winter mornings can get exceptionally chilly, but they’re also stunning if you can get up early enough to catch the daybreak.

Step outside or sit by a window with a warm drink and watch the soft wintery light spread across the sky.

Mornings in winter feel so still and quiet, like the world hasn’t woken up yet, and you get a little moment to yourself.

It’s grounding, beautiful, and also a strong winter habit to nurture.

10. Capture winter like an aesthetic journal

If you were to capture every day of winter and string it together, it’d make for an aesthetic journal.

Well, good thing you can actually make that happen.

Take photos of your hot drinks, your layered outfits, and little glimpses of your day, and turn them into a digital album or a winter scrapbook.

This can be your personal ‘winter aesthetic diary’ for the year.

When you look back, you’ll realize how much romance you created in the simplest moments, and all the beauty you were blessed with during the season.

Let’s Make Winter More Magical!

If I had to give one last tip to make your winters good, it’d be to not treat it as something to ‘get through’, even on the coldest days that make you long for sunny days.

Every cold moment in the winter is a little pocket for you to sink into and make it magical.

Everything ordinary moment (drinking tea, taking a walk, and lighting a candle) can become extraordinary if you give it a little intention.

So, use the tips from this post and romanticize your winter as much as you need to. Hope you have a magical and cozy winter this year!

Read next: 10 Healthy Winter Habits For A Happy And Comfy Season

What does romanticizing winter look like for you? Share one cozy tip in the comment box (that’s not already in the post). Would love to try something of yours!