Embrace the Dark
If you’ve ever stepped outside on a clear Vermont night in late January, you know: winter skies show off. With fewer leaves, less humidity, and long, dark evenings, this is prime time to spot the Winter Triangle—Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Procyon—along with sweeping views of the Milky Way (or maybe even the Northern Lights), especially once you’re clear of the city.
Winter works best when you let it stay dark at night and bright during the day. Fewer lights after sunset can support deeper rest, while getting outside when the sun’s out—especially with snow on the ground—helps your body soak up more of winter’s limited vitamin D. It’s an old rhythm, but a good one.
So turn the porch light off. Let candles glow inside. Bundle up and head out.
Our heavyweight Hooded Flannel Zip Jacket – Patchwork or Hooded Flannel Pullover – Red Buffalo layered under your winter coat adds that just-right warmth—soft against the skin, sturdy against the cold.
Hygge, the Vermont Way
You don’t need a Scandinavian passport to understand hygge (pronounced hoo-guh). It’s the art of finding comfort in the everyday: warm light, soft textures, unhurried moments, and people (or quiet) you love.
Around here, hygge looks like:
- Lamps low, candles lit
- A couch layered with flannel blankets
- Coffee, cocoa, or something warm in hand
- No agenda beyond “stay awhile”
Our flannel blankets are made for exactly this kind of living—thick, breathable, and impossibly cozy. They’re meant to be used, shared, and loved hard.
Rest = Self-Love
We live in a culture that says faster is better. Vermont says otherwise.
Other mammals don’t power through January—they rest. You’re allowed to do the same. Give yourself permission to slow down. Sleep a little longer. Cancel plans. Wear what feels good all day.
Pull your hair back with a Flannel Scrunchie. Stay in your Flannel Pajamas (Flannel Lounge Pant + Henley Flannel Shirt combo) until noon—or all day.
Winter gets easier when you stop resisting it and lean into it (with flannel).
Make Something Yummy
Cold weather calls for nourishment that warms you to the core. Think:
- Slow-simmered soups and broths
- Root vegetables, butter, and good salt
- Local milk, cream, and proteins
- Indoor farmers’ markets and co-ops
And when it comes to treats? Make them count.
Try a homemade hot chocolate with pure cacao powder, Golden Dog Farm's organic Vermont maple syrup, and local milk—or choose a hot chocolate mix from Lake Champlain Chocolates. Maybe even top it off with marshmallows from the Vermont Marshmallow Company.
Slide your mug into a Beer Hug to keep your hands warm and your drink cozy. Small comforts add up.
Savor the Great Indoors
When the world slows down outside, your inner world has room to breathe. Stay inside and enjoy deeply restorative warmth.
Read. Stretch. Journal. Make art. Daydream. Play board games. Try yoga. Visit a local sauna.
Stay spa-level cozy with a Flannel Robe, curl up with a blanket, or slide into Flannel Leggings for that yoga session. Wear something soft, familiar, and warm—and let yourself linger in the moment.
Looking for a new book? Psychologist Kari Leibowitz explores ideas like this in How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days—a reminder that winter isn’t a problem to fix, but a season to work with.
And if you have to step out (like to your local bookstore), do it comfortably! These customer favorites keep you warm and stylish without trying too hard.
Dress Right, Play Freely
The secret to loving the wintry outdoors? Layers that work.
Start with wool socks from our friends at Darn Tough. Add a merino base layer. Top it with midweight flannel for everyday cold—or upgrade to heavyweight flannel when the temps really drop.
Our heavyweight Men’s Classic Flannel Shacket or Hooded Flannel Zip Jacket gives you serious heat. Finish with a Flannel Scarf to keep the chill off your neck.
With the right layers, the cold becomes background noise—and the experience takes center stage. Ski, snowboard, snowshoe, fat bike. Try XC skiing at the Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center. Take a sleigh ride at Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort. Go dog sledding. Ride horses through the snow.
Winter is meant to be played in!