Spring Sensations - The Lighter Side

by Jean Muir

Here is the good news for the day – you can blame all of those failed New Year’s resolutions on a medieval pope called Gregory. It was his calendar that Britain adopted in 1752 that shifted the New Year from March to January.  

Not to say that all of those ancient Celtic and Norse celebrations, which generally involve swinging burning bits of something to herald the passing of the winter solstice, didn’t exist long before the change. But it was not all that long ago when Britain and its colonies were encourage to recognise dark, wet January as a good time of year to start afresh.  

I mean, who in their right mind honestly and sincerely wants to throw out all of their bad habits at the darkest, coldest time of the year? All we want is to snuggle into our homes and don’t really want to venture outside for more than a steak bake from Gregg’s! Well fret not, because at long last spring is here and the true beginning as decided by nature – hooray!  

So, in order to properly celebrate here are a few suggestions – working from the inside – that might help shake off those winter blues. 

Clear out all of your wardrobes and cupboards, including kids clothes and toys, and haul them to the charity shop, (or the bin if the stuff’s totally had it). A good rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it or worn it for two years – it’s gone. Don’t get stuck thinking that it still has plenty of wear in it. Remind yourself how much joy and wear someone else can get out of it without it clogging up your living space. 

Declare an official Spring Cleaning Day. Find a place for the kids, the spouse and the dog to go and get down to business. Hire some help even if it’s for one day only, just to get a deep clean. 

You won’t believe how much better you feel and you can reward yourself with a bit of new decoration. NOT DIY for heaven’s sake, but a new duvet or throw pillow. 

Treat yourself to an “Emerald City Day” and pretend you are Dorothy in Oz. Leaf through a few fashion magazines and choose a fresh new haircut and spring outfit. Whether you are shopping at Harvey Nics, Primark or everything in between a fresh new look can really chase away those winter blues. A nice mani and pedi never hurt either. 

Now that you are cleared, cleaned and primped there is only one thing left to do – have a party! Choose a theme to celebrate the return of the sun such as Mexican or Hawaiian, or your own unique idea. Serve lots of fruity drinks and bright colours and flavours to celebrate the return of the light and promise of new things to come. 

Once your newly coiffed head has cleared, make a list of five new things to try before next winter (’cuz it is the New Year, remember). Whether is it flamenco or hill walking, violin or photography, find a new activity while the motivation of springtime is high. Who knows, it may even be so great that it helps carry you through next winter? 

More than anything else – ENJOY! We are now officially in the light at the end of the tunnel. Congratulate yourself and get going with a new you for a sensational spring.