5 Winter rituals to embrace in 2026

Dharshana Keerthichandra
6 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

The beginning of the new year often invites bold resolutions - outward declarations of who we plan to become.

Yet winter is already deep in its own transformation. Quietly. Subtly. Moving inward, responding to what is truly needed, and preparing - unseen - for what will emerge.

What if this month, instead of chasing the noise, we choose something different?

Something that supports us from the inside out.

Something that gently brings us back into alignment with ourselves.

A slower rhythm.

A softer intention.

Winter at your own pace...

This season invites us to rest, reflect, and nourish - not rush

1: Embrace winter’s stillness

As frost and snow still the lands, we too can practice "nourishing" stillness. We are so used to being conditioned into believing that rest is lazy, but everything needs to rest, including nature.

Rest can sometimes be the most productive choice. Learn to treat rest not as laziness, but as a productive, restorative, and necessary act that mimics the seasons in which we are still so deeply connected and apart of.

Embrace early nights - give yourself permission to go to bed earlier, or spend evenings reading whilst sipping a warm gentle cup of lavender tea . Allow your body and mind to truly recharge.
Do nothing - dedicate time to simply watch the snow fall or listen to the rain, embracing silence and watching what flows.

2. Reflect on the darkness

Use the long, dark evenings to turn inwards and make space for deeper reflections. The winter brings more darkness, so we have less time to be distracted by fancy lights and endless places to go and be. Darkness can help channel our focus on where we need to be heading, and where to focus our energies.

Designate a cozy nook with blankets and cushions, and as the sun sets early use only candlelight or dim lamps to cultivate a quiet, sacred space. White tea is wonderful for gently drawing our energies inward.

Journal by candlelight - Explore prompts about your feelings, what brings you joy, or what you are releasing from the past year.
Candle Meditation - Watch the flame flickering for 5 minutes to ground your energy and calm your mind.

3. Shed what you don't need

Just as the tree's shed their leaves in the winter months to conserve energy for new growth in the spring, winter is also the perfect time for us to let go of what no longer serves us. We cannot bring new energy and intentions into a space which has no room to hold them.

Habits, commitments, or even fears built up over the year, and all too often we can't see the wood for the tree's. A shedding or release ritual is the perfect way to help eliminate anything which may hold back the coming new growth. Pink Tea is wonderful for detoxing what the body no longer needs

Burn a list - Write down limiting beliefs, fears or things you wish to leave behind, and safely burn the paper in a fireplace or bowl. You can visualize them leaving your life.
Declutter your space - Spend time organizing the areas in your home that feel heavy or stagnant, or too full to bring in new energy. Be brutal, if it doesn't feel fresh and alive then it should go (consider rehoming, recycling and gifting).

4. Cultivate gentle movement

Winter can feel stagnant, nature is pausing and taking time to rest and reflect. But there is still movement, and that small focused movement is vital. Just as the snow drops slowly start to emerge from the cold mud, edging their way through slowly, before bursting open in flower.

Gentle movement connects us with our bodies and cycles, and our bodies use the deep cold to signal 'regeneration' to our bodies cells.

Mindful nature walks - take short, intentional walks in the cold, fresh air, focusing on the details of the landscape and micro environment (frost on leaves, bare tree's, shoots emerging) to connect with the present moment and seasonal cycles.
Abhyanga (self-massage) - an ayurvedic practice involving massaging warm oil (like coconut or sesame) into the skin to nourish the body and calm the nervous system. Flushing our toxins after a massage with a green tea is highly recommended.

5. Gather around warming pots

Warmth provides a feeling of safety and comfort, and signals to the nervous system that it is safe and held, so it can relax. It helps to ground our energies into your root chakras, and connect to the earth.

Gathering around pots has long been a vital tradition through cultures across the world, coming together to make and share soups, stews, teas and broths. Its deep within our DNA.

Simmer pots for intentions - Create a pot on the stove with oranges, cinnamon and cloves to fill your home with a scent that invites joy and warmth to your nervous system. (or our winter berry tea). Make sure to set an intention for what you want to 'stew' or develop over the winter.
Savor hot beverages - Turn making tea or herbal drinks into an event with your favourite mug and blanket, using the time to check in with yourself. Like your own tea ceremony!