We don’t say “January” anymore, my friends. Jan is the new lingo. Did you know that? No, me neither. But I was watching the SheerLuxe Show on YouTube the other day, and the host and panelists referred to “dry Jan” and “no buy Jan,” and one even said he “hated Jan.” Couldn’t, in fact, wait for “Feb.” I may have muttered an expletive at that moment.
So yeah, “Jan” is the new word that all the cool dudes say. And I am most assuredly not a cool dude. So as I unaccountably continued to watch the video, I rolled my eyes, and thought that Jan, this year, might very well make me want to head for the hills.
These days, I do sort of long to head for the hills. Or the backwoods. Somewhere quiet, with no people, and no constant barrage of cool dudes and bad news.
Maybe Hubby and I would ski into a small isolated cabin, deep in the forest somewhere.
We’d build a big fire in the wood stove, unpack all our food, and settle in. Then Hubby would have his afternoon nap and I’d curl up with my book before nodding off too. Afterwards we might go for a ski as the sun was getting low in the sky and the trees cast long shadows on the snow.
Later, I’d have a hot shower… I said the cabin was isolated, not that it didn’t have modern amenities… while Hubby split some kindling and built a fire in big stone fireplace. We’d open the wine we’d brought and read a bit while our supper simmered on the wood stove.
After supper we’d bundle up and take our wine out onto the porch to look at the stars. And much later we’d fall into bed, snuggled under a pristine duvet that smelled as if it had been freshly washed and then dried on the clothesline by the winter sun.
I could handle a few days of this, I think. Hearty egg and bacon breakfasts with strong tea, and homemade bread and strawberry preserves. Followed by a lovely ski in the cold, bright sunshine. We’d stop to build a fire at lunch to warm our hands, drink tea from our thermos, and toast our sandwiches on sticks over the flames. Later, back at the cabin, we’d nap and read, sip wine, eat dinner, and watch the stars again.
You know, just writing that makes me feel all calm and cosy.
In fact, as I’ve written before on the blog, cold sunny January days always make me think about heading out to the bush with my stepdad, our horse Myrt pulling the big sled, for a day of logging. My one unforgettable day as a logger’s assistant. You can read about that day in this old post. Even at fifteen I recognized the benefits of a day in the bush on my psyche. Not to mention the bologna sandwiches toasted over the fire.
So what are we all doing to get through Jan without heading for the hills? To get away from the news of fires, and tragedy, of political gamesmanship, and dire warnings and threats. That is if we are lucky enough to not be affected directly, yet, by all the craziness that is going on. Lucky enough to be able to even think of escaping. At least temporarily. From the stress January 2025 has meted out already.
In times like these, I wish I were still teaching. At least then I’d feel as if I were doing something productive. Perhaps teaching an eerily prescient science fiction novel that allowed for a discussion of totalitarian societies, how they form, and the dangers of tyrants. Maybe talking to students about Canada, how its government works, how our culture and unique identity developed. Perhaps explaining how an economy works. The definition of tariffs, dare I say. Maybe looking at a few quietly strong heroes who have spoken truth to power.
What a teachable moment this could be in a classroom. If I were still teaching. Which I’m not, of course. But I trust my young former colleagues to take advantage of these tumultuous times to do what’s right.
So. Not teaching. Not escaping either. At least not literally. I’ve not been logging nor skiing into a remote cabin in the woods.
But I am escaping into my head. As I have done ever since I was a child. Dreaming of books I’ve read, and memories, and thinking of the stories rolling around in there.
And I’ve started work on a new knitting project. Using an extra skein of yarn I have to make a small triangular scarf. Small triangular scarves being all the rage this winter. I have a lovely skein of denim blue heritage yarn from Briggs and Little Woollen Mills in New Brunswick. Hubby and I visited the mill back in 2021. I love to go there. They are located on a small stream, down a country road, near Harvey, New Brunswick. And although the original old mill burned a few years ago, it soothes my little romantic heart to shop there.
This is the type of scarf I’m talking about below. It won’t take me long to knit up and then I’ll have to find a new project.
Of course, I’m thinking ahead to spring and dreaming of clothes. Old pieces and new combinations. And watching videos like the one below. Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2025. The clothes and the music in this one made me smile. And gave me lots of inspiration for vintage shopping.
Hubby and I continue to read and research and talk about our trip next fall. And I’ve been seeing friends. A group of former colleagues for breakfast the other day. An afternoon of vintage shopping and lunch with my friend Nancy. And we’ve had lots of cold, but bright, snowy days. The best kind of winter days.
You know, I’m aware, my friends, that despite the stress, and confusion, and malaise, and sometimes anger that January has made me feel, being able to even think of escaping is a luxury not afforded to everyone. The fact that I can make a joke about wanting to head for the hills shows my privilege. Shows that I am not living in fear. Existential fear, maybe. But not actual fear for my immediate future. And for that I am very grateful.
If you are feeling something more immediate than me, which I’m sure many of you are, you may want to check out my friend Lisa’s post here.
And if, like me, you enjoy burying your head in the past every now and then, have a look at this video. It is super cool. A restored and colourized piece of film from the winter of 1942 in snowy Ottawa. Thanks to my friend Renée for bringing it to my attention.
Yep. Jan is almost gone now. Feb is just around the corner. Ha. And then spring will only be a few short months away. For us anyway.
Doesn’t mean we’ll feel any less like we want to head for the hills. Or the back woods. But at least the days will be brighter and longer and warmer. And that’s something, I guess.
What are you feeling these days, my friends. Jan got you down? Send all your remedy ideas our way, will you? Please.
57 thoughts on “When Jan Makes You Want to Head for the Hills”
I thoroughly agree to knitting and reading. Vancouver weather for this Jan anyway has been sunny and blue skies, but still pining for June, July and August.
Knitting and reading are wonderful winter activities. As long as the television news isn’t on in the background. 🙂
Jan? Oh my God! I love the English language too much to lose that glorious word.
It’s like the new trendy word for solitude – alonement. Really? I was so incensed I had to write a Substack post on it!
I love your imaginary escape – it sounded perfect. Our January escapes are slightly different being the middle of summer here, but it just makes me appreciate yours even more.
I watched a little of the RL link and whilst I loved the colours, decided there was way too much skin and bone and I just wanted to bake everyone masses of triple choc and berry brownies! With cream – double clotted cream.
As always, thank you for your wonderful post.
I loved that Ralph Lauren show for its vintage seventies vibe, and the music. It gave me ideas for some of my old pieces. But mostly I found it lovely and calming to watch.
“Jan” is a no from me. It’s my birthday month, and I feel quite proprietorial about January, which is summer here, with breakfast in the garden, visits to the beach and lazy evenings watching Australian Open tennis.
Your snowy reverie and the Ottawa reel helped cool me down but as lovely as that was, I wouldn’t swap January for June, even though our winters are much milder than yours. Toasting sandwiches over an open fire is new to me. Perhaps it’s a Canadian thing or perhaps it’s because I’m not much of a camping enthusiast?
The political change in the States has been awful to observe. I’m coping by telling myself it won’t last forever, there are many, many good people in the world and there’s quite a bit that individuals can do, such as volunteering, donating and otherwise supporting good causes. Seeing friends, good books, films, cooking delicious food and dining out are all helpful distractions. I’ve also taken great heart from the Gaza ceasefire and the release of several of the hostages.
I learned to toast sandwiches over the fire in the woods with my step-father back in the seventies. He would build a fire while he cut wood, and then we’d sit on a log in front of the fire to eat our lunch. He made tea over the flames, tasted wonderful, and showed me how to toast the outside of my sandwich on a forked stick. Great memories.
We all cope with the ugliness of the world in our own way . I called in our little village shop the other day & the shop assistant had all the newspapers upside down on the counter . I asked what was going on & she replied that she couldn’t bear looking at that ugly orange man all day . Just one person’s little protest & I know how she feels . Your ski trip sounds perfect . I could enjoy it in my mind even though I don’t ski . No snow here but we’ve had black ice & my friend Susan has a broken arm to prove it , nasty . I enjoyed the videos , such a contrast , one all smooth pale perfection & quite smug ( I just loved the pale blue sparkly shirt blouse though ) the other , gritty real life for your ancestors – fascinating . We really do have to count our blessings though it’s hard sometimes .
Wendy, how lucky you are to still have newspapers. Ours all disappeared a fee years ago. First the paper versions stopped printing, and now the online versions have slimmed down to AI summaries on dysfunctional websites. Do celebrate yours.
It kind of depends which newspaper you choose . Some of them are not worth reading . Only fit for wrapping up your fish & chips as my mum used to say . Which is how it was when I was a girl 😁
Black ice is the worst, either walking or driving on it. I’ve had a couple of “spinning” experiences driving to work and hitting a patch of black ice in an area where the snow blowing across the road created black ice. It’s scary. I loved 1942 video, especially the skiers. Plus Stu and I recognized several buildings that are still around.
Hope your trip to Edinburgh was good. 🙂
Edinburgh postponed due to our latest storm causing train problems . Going in late February now 🤞Flipping weather 😫
January is hibernation month here in t middle England, with indoor pastimes; reading, crochet, decluttering, vitamin D pill popping and planning.
Thank you for giving me a new activity to do, a knitted triangle scarf. Now off to look for a cashmere blend yarn, and a video of snow to watch.
I’m using some leftover yarn and hoping my scarf won’t knit up too bulky. 🙂
Oh Sue, I actually kind of teared up at your post. I want to run away but I can’t. Being busy at work is I suppose a distraction (except when the cause is equally dispiriting and frightening). I don’t know how you can look at an American designer right now (although I doubt very much that RL makes more than a fraction of his clothes in the US, which makes it a perfect illustration of the nonsensical…).
That video from 1942 Ottawa was a gift. My first love was always Canadian history and then I had to go and become an economist…I’ve been digging into my memory in recent days. I love winter and getting out in the snow these days is keeping me steady (ish).
Oh PS Love Briggs and Little, too, and MacAuslands in PEI. I have some of their yarn stashed away I might have to pull out soon!
I didn’t even think of the fact that RL is American. Still the show is really good. I don’t have to buy the clothes… just use them as inspiration. Ha.
Chère Sue ,
En France aussi ,la mode est au moindre effort Et c’est épuisant de dire un mot en entier .Alors nous avons info ..pour information ,demo ,pour démonstration…Et pourquoi pas Jan…pour janvier.
Dans le sud de la France ,le thermomètre descend rarement au-dessous de 10 degrés.
C’est même troublant d’avoir des températures printanières et un paysage hivernal…
Les rosiers gonflent leurs bourgeons et on rêve de fleurs et de toutes les merveilles que l’on a mis en terre.
Oui ,Sue ,le monde marche sur la tête et on cherche au fond de soi des raisons de se réjouir.
Mais il y a eu dans le passé des événements bien pires .
Aujourd’hui nous fêtons les 80 ans de la libération du camp de concentration d’Auchwitz.
Et des otages ont été délivrées en Israël…
Désormais je fais comme les philosophes ,je pratique le voyage immobile,qui consiste à regarder autour de soi la beauté des choses ,que l’on ne voit plus.
Lovely and true.
I love the idea of a “motionless journey”… thanks for that, Célia.
I love your writing, but especially your thoughts here. As a Californian, and that’s truly how I feel these days, my heart is battered. I have always been ambivalent about my country, but never my beautiful, wounded state. Like you, I am privileged – with an intact roof over my head. But like so many Americans, angry, stressed, and dreading what is to come. It has become the Wild West for us in terms of media – so much has been co-opted by corporate interests – but there are still independent news sources and millions of us determined to help, resist, and muscle our way through this autocratic fever dream. As for the small joys that get us all through the days – it rained last night! In a state bedeviled by drought and fires, it’s sweet relief. I am drinking coffee with my sleeping cat by my side, reveling in a wet garden, and grateful beyond measure for homemade granola, communities like this one, and all that is good on a quiet Sunday.
Wendy…I join you in celebrating the rain today in Southern California…and even a deluge of hail! The amount was startling and welcomed as long as property damage was kept minimal.
I also join you in your concern for our country. Finding solace in kindness, the warmth of a beloved pet, or a cup of good coffee can carry one through the dismal news. Here’s to another cup of coffee…
I am sorry for your poor battered state, Wendy. Small joys do help us to navigate through troubled times.
I love Celia’s comment. In the present moment, I try to avoid the news, but read Heather Cox Richardson’s emails to stay informed. I am trying to focus on the small pleasures and doing good work within my control, but I’m also willing to “make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble”, in the words of John Lewis.
Husband and I participated in a litter pickup activity on Friday, with a dozen other people. It felt good to be a part of generating so many bags of waste from a neglected little trail near an industrial area.
I spotted two blooming crocuses (croci) in the shelter of my big gingko tree this week. I have potted narcissus on the windowsill. The days have been cold and clear with some light frost overnight, but we haven’t yet had a hard freeze. It is drier than usual, so much so that we are about to set a record for dry days, and are more than an inch behind normal precipitation.
Cold days are perfect for curling up and reading, and I am excited to have a new book from Helen Simonson. I have some yarn just waiting for a project, and a triangle scarf sounds perfect. I have an appointment tomorrow to donate blood, and a haircut appointment on Thursday, so this week I will focus on those things, and be sure to get in sunshine and exercise!
Thank you for mentioning Heather Cox Richardson, Julia. I looked up her Substack newsletter, read several articles, and can recommend it to others. It’s very well done. A sane and intelligent and educated look at current events.
P.S. Thanks as well for the mention of the Helen Simonson book. I haven’t read her in a while. 🙂
HCR is the BEST!!! If only certain folks could be persuaded to read her, I’d feel much more hopeful.
Greetings to you, Sue, in the 51st state! Bwa-ha-ha, what absolute insanity.
Hanging by a thread down here….
Oh gad… don’t even joke about that. Insanity is right.
From me in Iowa to everyone in the world-my deepest apologies!So many of us worked to elect Harris,and are still working to thwart Trump.He did NOT win in a landslide and many of his voters are realizing that they are his targets,too.
This last week was nightmarish.All I can promise is the next four years we’ll oppose his policies in court, public opinion,and action.Making good trouble!
I’ve observed over my 69 years to always expect the unexpected.Nothing goes as anticipated.There is hope.
But again-I am so sorry.I hope your voters can learn from our disaster.
Thanks for that, Kathy. And for what you have done already and continue to do for your country.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. I’ve been burying myself in the concept of “wintering,” especially Kari Leibowitz’s book “How to Winter.” She talks about mindset, and shifting mindset, with practice (it doesn’t come easily) to embrace the season of crackling fires, warm cups of tea or coffee, crisp sunny days walking or skiing. I’m finding that Jan is not as horrible, aweful, dark and dreary as it’s been made out to be. Cheers to Jan!
I’m not familiar with the Kari Leibowitz book. I have read Katherine May’s Wintering… maybe it’s time for a reread.
January here on the West Coast has been sunny and in the plus temps. We have no complaints! Looks like February might bring somewhat colder temps and a touch of snow. We count ourselves lucky, in the big picture, to have much milder winters, walkable streets, very little if any snow to shovel…I’ve lived most of my life in the eastern provinces and central Canada to appreciate life on the West Coast. I cannot imagine the long, cold winters anymore. Keep warm, plan your upcoming vacation, and read on, my friend!
We don’t mind snow as long as we get enough of it. It’s the ice and winds that we dislike. Like today’s weather.
I hope you’ll take some solace in knowing that so many of us in the US are mortified by Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and threats aimed at Canadians.
We’re on your side in our hearts and minds dear Susan.
Thanks for that Marilee. 🙂
I feel a need to apologize for the idiocy that is now the United States, although I don’t feel responsible for the mess, having hoped we would have our first woman President. This January has been particularly bleak. Colder than normal here, and now the political news becomes crazier every day. I am doing a couple of things to keep myself going. If nothing else, I have committed to learning more about true history and not the white-washed version I learned in school, and so choosing books that will educate me. I am also seeking opportunities to do things that help others – last week I worked with other women to stuff care bags for women seeking abortion services. At a very stressful time of life, they will receive warm socks, a hair band, granola bars, Kotex pads, a warmer for abdominal cramps, mints, and a hand-written and caring note. I hope that women will feel support and care when they receive the bags. And it helps me to feel I am helping others in this bleakest of Jans.
Two wonderful ways to combat the craziness, Maryellen. Learning more and reaching out to help others. Good for you.
I join your other readers in dismay over the antics of the newly installed president. I’m sticking to a good cup of coffee, my church, and Heather Cox Richardson. Other family matters also keep my mind busy and involved.
And for the sake of keeping alert and engaged, I signed up for an O.L.L.I. class at our local state university. O.L.L.I. stands for Osher Life Long Learning Institute. It’s an enriching, educational program for Seniors. In anticipation of a trip to Israel next year, I’ve decided to take a class on the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict. I admit to not understanding much about it. Only six weeks long, I’m looking forward to the learning without the grading/evaluation! We’ll see how this works out.
Thanks for encouraging your readers to stay current whether it’s the new best seller, fashion, or lingo!
What a great idea to take that class, Charlene. You’ll no doubt know way more than most of us when you are finished. I’ve been thinking of taking a free seniors class myself. If only I didn’t have to drive downtown to do it! Winter evening classes do not hold good memories for me… with respect to the 40 minute drive home. 🙁
Had my first class today. I now realize that I will need to leave an hour before class starts for commute and parking. But…it was wonderful to be on a college campus! I wasn’t ready for how I felt as I walked along the sidewalk with other students hurrying to class! Exuberant! The lecturer was excellent! Two hours flew by. I’m looking forward to our next class. Truly, a learning-just-for-the-sake-of-learning experience!
Glad I took the plunge!
I’m so pleased, Charlene. 🙂
Sue,your cabin trip sounds divine.I don’t ski,but sitting by the fire,reading and nordic walking would be perfect.
January is ” the cruelest month” for me- maybe it’s coincidence or astrology ( so,opposite sign-I was born in July. I don’t read horoscope but still,know basic terms :))
Dottoressa
I’ll have to conjure up a reading nook in our cabin, Dottoressa. You can keep the fire in the wood stove stoked while Stu and I are out skiing. Or bundle up and sit in the front yard in a big wooden recliner beside a roaring outdoor fire. 🙂
Aw,thank you! I could cook,too 🙂
D.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/26/winter-wonder-jeanette-winterson-and-others-reveal-why-the-cold-has-them-under-its-spell
Let me drop this into the conversation…some beautiful writing here. We have been waiting for the effects of the second storm in a week and it has manifested in a lot of rain overnight, here in West Yorkshire. I am always relieved to get to February, the worst of winter behind us and promise of spring starting to make itself felt. No matter what, I make myself read reputable news every day, avoid AI and TikTok, don’t go on X, filter FB and surround myself with good books. And if I find myself awake and low in spirits, a podcast helps. You do what you do and on we go.
I really enjoyed this Guardian article. Even her writing style has a relaxing rhythm to it. Thank you so much for posting it.
That is a wonderful article, thanks Annie. I’ve been listening to Bella Freud’s podcast “Fashion Neurosis” while I do housework or drive somewhere. She is sooo calm. And her guests are interesting.
Thanks Sue for the post. I loved the fifties film of Ottawans digging out, thanks for that! I am doing lots of reading, and have been out for a couple outings on the xc skis as well as regular walking to ensure sanity in January (not changing to Jan anytime soon 🙂 ).
As for the news… what can one say…
I will be making every effort to buy and travel Canadian to support our economy (minuscule compared to US economy) though I don’t think I can give up fresh oranges through the winter.
Under strange fallout from the various economic threats and possible counter measures; Heinz ketchup had a FULL PAGE, colour ad in the Saturday Globe and Mail, assuring readers that their barn paint is made in Quebec, from tomatoes grown in Ontario, so no need to boycott. Strange days indeed.
Same here… no southern trips for us this year. Admittedly that’s not a hardship for us, we’ve only been a few times, and mostly to visit friends who used to winter down south.
Politics aside, I have enjoyed this January. We have had some bitter cold, but not a lot of snow. The small amounts that we’ve had have been so beautiful.
Politics are the downside. I’m trying to balance staying sane and not sinking into depression with knowing what is going on. I’ve started reading some new sources of news. But, enough about that.
I try to walk every day. Walking works off some energy, gets me into the fresh air and gives me views of visually pleasing sites. I like the visual escapes, just as I enjoy your beautiful photos of the lake and sunsets.
I’m knitting a scarf for my husband. When that is done, I’ll pick up another project that keeps my hands busy.
I’m slowly doing some decluttering. That is a big project that will take a long time, but I’m trying to tackle small bits at a time.
Visits with friends help round things out. Friends we see regularly and old friends we are reconnecting with. It’s wonderful to connect and catch up.
Soon “Jan” will be over. “Feb” is shorter and March offers glimmers of stronger sun. Already, the days are light longer and that brings me joy.
We’ll probably get a huge dump of snow in late March like usual. Ha. 🙂
Sorry, I‘m late with my answer.
The results of the US elections were a shock here in Central Europe, which is struggling also with the success of very right wing parties at elections. Ours in Austria were in September, and still no government yet. So far no party wants to go in a coalition with the „Nazis“. But there are negotiations with the Conservatives now.
And in Germany the elections are ahead, you may have heard more about the situation there in the news than about tiny Austria.
My means against fear and sorrow? I could also go skiing and into the woods in the mountains. But it’s hard to find loneliness or solitude there. We don’t have so much room like you in Canada. And I’m not good at skiing and have never enjoyed it. And Jan, which is also my birth month.
I like the autumn, the fog and darkness in November and December, I love and enjoy Advent time, the time between the years, until my birthday..Then Jan and winter could be over. But unfortunately it mostly begins virtually here. And then it lasts till spring returns somewhere in March. So I spend my time with my beloved daily routines, feeding the birds, my little garden helpers, walking our little dog, reading, making plans for the garden and the holidays.
And celebrating our birthdays, my husband’s in Feb and mine in Jan with family and friends.
All the best to you and everyone here in these times and a great Feb!
We are so bombarded with U.S. news here that we rarely hear about what is going on in Europe, Eva. The rise of right wing governments who seem to want power at all costs is frightening, I agree. By the way, Happy Birthday to you and your husband.
Thank you Sue, for the greetings and for your account, for your humour and your sensitivity.
Your account is a wonderful counterpart to the news and the fear they bring.
But it’s good to read how many there are of us all over the world.🙏🏻🤗
I’m catching up on reading blogs that I missed while we headed for the hills for the past two weeks… the hills to the east of Mexico City. No cozy cabin, but a visit with friends who have been living there for the past 8 years. We weren’t immune from what was happening in the rest of the world though as our friends are American and were grieving what has been happening in their home country.
I’m glad you had a good trip, Elaine. 🙂
Another neighbor to your south here! Late to post, too! Last weekend I was in such a funk due to cold weather and heartless leaders and I stood up angry and tearful and asked my husband to please, please, please let’s go for a long drive …. somewhere, anywhere. We ended up at a farm market that is open year round … and purchased the most wonderful apples, as well as apple cake! This week I’m reading “Tell Me Everything” and listening to jazz. We’ve had a break in the weather (it’s 40-degrees F) and I was able to get out for a walk. Your writing is so soothing and wonderful and always a highlight of my week. Thank you, Sue!
Simple things, eh? They always seem to sooth. Especially good books and apple cake. 🙂
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