5 Ways to Embrace Winter in Upstate New York
Winter in New York can be tough. It’s cold, dark, and always seems to last longer than we remember. This year, upstate New York is experiencing a particularly frigid and snowy winter, making the season feel even more relentless, albeit beautiful!
But winter doesn’t have to be something we simply endure. There’s a lot we can learn from our Scandinavian brothers and sisters, who have truly mastered the art of embracing winter rather than resisting it. By adopting their perspective, we can learn how to find warmth, light, and joy even in the darkest months of the year.
To quote Katherine May, in her memoir Wintering: “Here it is: my winter. It’s an open invitation to transition into a more sustainable life and to wrest back control over the chaos I’ve created. It’s a moment when I have to step into solitude and contemplation”.
Winter is a time to slow down, reflect, and recharge in a way we often don’t have time for when the weather is warm and sunny. Here are 5 ways to embrace the coldest season:
Get Outside (no matter the temperature)
One of the biggest mindset shifts Scandinavians embrace is that winter isn’t something to hide from or avoid. In upstate New York, it’s tempting to stay indoors when temperatures drop and snow piles up — but getting outside can actually improve mood and energy levels.
Whether it’s a leisurely walk around the neighborhood, cross-country skiing/snowshoeing in a local state park, or just briefly stepping outside for a little fresh air, spending time outdoors helps combat winter blues and seasonal fatigue. In the Fingerlakes region specifically we are lucky to have many beautiful winter landscapes, from frozen waterfalls to snowy state park trails, and experiencing them in person can help us feel gratitude for the winter season.
Dress in cozy layers, invest in good boots, and opt outside: even 10–15 minutes in the fresh cold air can make a noticeable difference for our mental health.
Sauna and Steam: Warming from the Inside Out
Steamrooms and saunas are a cornerstone of Scandinavian winter life—and for good reason. The contrast between cold outdoor temperatures and deep, penetrating heat helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and relax muscles.
While traditional saunas aren’t common in every upstate New York home, many gyms, wellness centers, and spas (such as our very own August Moon Spa!!) offer sauna or steamroom access during the winter months. Even hot showers and baths at home can provide similar benefits, and making heat a ritual rather than just a necessity transforms winter into a season of restoration instead of discomfort.
Fireside Living: Creating a Winter Sanctuary
At Firelight Camps we obviously value gathering around a campfire: fire represents warmth, light, and community—all things we crave during cold, dark months.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace or wood stove in your home, winter is the time to use it. If not, candles, electric fireplaces, or outdoor fire pits can create a similar sense of comfort. Gathering around fire encourages slower evenings centered around conversation, reading, and rest.
Lighting Matters More Than You Think
As those of us who live in New York (and other northern states) know, daylight in winter is limited, and that lack of light can really affect mood, sleep, and productivity. Scandinavians counter this by being extremely intentional about indoor lighting — they tend to swap harsh overhead lights for warm side lamps, flickering candles, and soft string lights.
Using multiple light sources in each room to creates a cozy glow, especially in the early morning and evening hours when the dark can feel oppressive. Many people also benefit from light therapy lamps, which mimic natural sunlight and can boost seretonin during long winter months.
Creating a warm, well-lit home environment makes winter evenings feel cozy and comforting instead of gloomy—and it’s one of the easiest ways to make winter more enjoyable!
Warm Beverages as a Daily Ritual
Cold weather naturally calls for warm drinks — whether it’s hot tea brewed at home in the evening or a morning espresso drink from your favorite local coffee shop (for Ithacans that would be gimme! coffee), holding something warm can be extremely soothing. We can take a cue from the Swedes, who build the daily ritual of fika into the workday—an intentional break for coffee and something sweet that invites people to slow down, warm up, and connect with one another. Creating a daily beverage ritual adds structure and pleasure to long winter days.
As stated by D.H Lawrence, “We must once more practice the ritual of dawn and noon and sunset, the ritual of kindling fire and pouring water, the ritual of the first breath and the last.”
Winter in upstate New York doesn’t have to be something we simply survive. When we shift our mindset and embrace winter, the coldest months can become a time for intentionality, ritual, and rest. By slowing down and caring for both our bodies and our minds, we can find light, comfort, and meaning even during the darkest time of year. Embracing winter isn’t about waiting for it to be over —it’s about accepting things exactly as they are and finding peace in the present.
Words & Photos by Emmalyn Pure