We may not get long hours of darkness, freezing temperatures, and piles of snow that make us want to burrow under the blankets. But even Sonoran Desert dwellers want to curl up with a blanket and something warm to drink when it gets cooler. And many still love to do it with a good book.
If you don’t have a favorite reading spot, this is a great time of year to create one. You’ll be just in time for jolabokaflod, the Icelandic tradition of giving books as gifts on Christmas Eve that has made its way to America.
LOCATION
The location of your reading spot may depend on the time of day you love to do your reading. Is it in the morning when the sun streams through your favorite widow? Is it in the evening when you can curl up in front of the fireplace with your hot chocolate…or wine?
LOOK FOR A NOOK
The Danish people adore their window seats for reading. They add pillows, blankets, and sheepskins to make it cozy, which is a vital quality for the Danish. Any unused, smallish space will do if you don’t have a window seat though.
AN UNEXPECTED SPOT
Think outside of the box. For example, you could create a surprising reading spot on the landing of a wide staircase.
ADD THE RIGHT TOUCHES
Think about things that make you feel happy and soothed. Blankets, books, pictures, flowers, candles. Add a side table for a reading lamp, a place for your mug of coffee, a vase of flowers, and for setting down your book. Make sure to have a bookmark or two handy. And then finish it off with a houseplant. They are scientifically proven to improve your mood and cleanse the air.
DON’T STOP WITH ONE
Don’t forget to create a special reading space for your kids. And a relaxing spot on the patio or in a hammock in the backyard is great for the warmer days of winter.
And by all means, take some tips from Iceland and pick up some books for the loved ones on your holiday gift list.
