January, with its short and cold days, can be a tough month. The holidays are behind us, and we’re all craving a little extra vitamin D. But there’s something special about this time of year in Rye, if you know where to look! Here are some little things we can try to make these wintry days a bit easier…and maybe even Ryemarkable!
Start Your Day with the Sunrise
The sun rises around 7:15 a.m. in January. Though I’m rarely there at 7:15, I do love to bundle up, walk down the red stairs near the Playland pool, and stroll out to the pier.
Good news: if you happen to miss the sunrise, Brian Jackson, local Rye Dad photographer, documents them on his Instagram account, @brijack10580. Be sure to check him out!
Leave the Lights On
January is dark — literally! This year, Purchase Street has been especially magical with its festive lights. By leaving our holiday lights on a little longer — or maybe even adding a few, we could brighten the long nights.
Stay Active
Exercise is a game changer, but in January you might need to be creative. January is an opportunity to try something new — hot yoga, ice skating at Playland’s rink (hoping for the best), squash lessons, or even a line dancing class at Rye Rec or Resurrection. Moving can shift your mindset.
Plan a Mid-Week Date
Whether it’s with a friend or my husband, I love to carve out time for a coffee or meal at one of Rye’s coziest spots. I love the fireplace at Rye Grill and Bar, a cozy coffee at On the Way Cafe, or an avocado toast at Sunshine Roasters. A little mid-week escape can do wonders for breaking up the monotony of these cold, gray days.
Dreaming of Summer
It’s never too early to start thinking about sunnier days — whether it’s researching summer camps, planning your next getaway, or even shopping for a new pair of sunglasses. Having something to look forward to can help you beat the winter blues.
Try Being a Bad Sister
While I don’t participate in this group, I do quietly cheer them on, and am so impressed by their resilience and camaraderie. A Bad Sisters plunge is a methodical, meditative, and efficient affair. Participants, often holding hands, quietly enter the water (usually at Oakland Beach), where they remain from two to six minutes before silently emerging. Their mantra? “We can do hard things.” Yes you can, friends!
Relish the Quiet
Sometimes, my favorite thing to do is snuggle under a heated blanket on the couch with Cuddles, my cat, and a cup of hot tea with local honey (I’m hoping it will help prevent spring allergies). Winter offers the perfect excuse to embrace the quiet and recharge.
No matter how you choose to spend these chilly days, remember: January has its own kind of magic in Rye.
This story was updated at 4:33 p.m. on Jan. 21.
Liz Woods is the founder of Ryemarkable Moms.