Time to get cozy

Mid-winter leads us to a time when enforced idleness puts us first in line to enjoy obligatory duties, such as snow shoveling, tending the fire and ice chipping, that become part and parcel of man’s stint at survival.

Alongside this cold, dreary work comes a word originated in those ancient icy Nordic lands; the Scandinavian word koselig translates as an invitation to become “cozy.” It means come, share the fire and enjoy the happy hours as you sip a thawing drink and watch the wild dancing of flickering fireplace flames devouring the past, reviving precious memories and renewing friendships.

Winter with its long, dark nights, howling wind, ice and chill has been absconded by hucksters intent on enhancing the selling of galoshes, snow shovels, ice scrapers and salt. Instead, these cold, dark times could best be sanctified as the season for rest and restoration, a season intended for looking to the future and of tomorrow’s preparations for spring plowing and planting. Mid-winter is a time for promoting cozy living. Go sit by a fire.

This story was originally published January 16, 2016 at 1:08 PM with the headline "Time to get cozy."