Joyful January Traditions to Brighten Up Your Winter

As much as the post-holiday months can seem ever so dreary and dark, it can also be a great time to shift focus onto more meaningful connections and traditions. Getting together with friends and bringing light to their day can often be a great way to invite more of that joy into your own. While there may be many things we long to do as warmer weather returns, there’s still plenty of room to celebrate togetherness and that simple pleasures that make some of the best memories.

Host a Cozy Dinner

There’s good reason breaking bread together has been a key point of connection across centuries. The moments are the things lifetimes are made of. How many wonderful moments come by way of a simple invitation to a simple dinner party.

Don’t let the idea of all the prep work in crafting a full spread send you into overwhelm. A more subtle table that says “welcome home” with seasonal favorites like hearty stews, roasted root vegetables, or baked brie with your favorite wines can often foster even deeper connections than a massive spread that keeps you more in the kitchen than in conversation.

If you’re looking for inspiration for an easy but delectable dessert, be sure to check out our recipe for Red Wine Chocolate Truffles below.

Set the Stage for the Year Ahead

January is the perfect time to set the tone for the months to come. Life has a way of getting way too busy with intentions turning into regrets as weeks turn into months of not seeing some of your favorite people. (Why on earth we do that, we have no idea.)

Start with considering who you absolutely want to have time to connect with over the year ahead then who you’d like to get to know a little more. What occasions make for a perfect excuse to get friends together? What “lulls” might you have in the seasons ahead that could be a good time to get together and just enjoy life?

Whether it’s hosting a small dinner with close friends or planning bigger celebrations later in the year, taking time now to map out your gatherings ensures you have meaningful moments to look forward to.

Pause and Recharge

The quiet of winter is an invitation to slow down and focus on what truly matters. It’s a time to recharge, refocus and plan with eager expectations for the months to come. Create routines that help you feel centered and refreshed. Journal about your goals, try a new recipe in the kitchen, or share stories over a glass of wine. Sometimes the best memories come from slowing down and embracing the simplicity of life. There’s far more time to do all the things. Don’t forget to just enjoy the silent moments winter brings.

January Events

• Thu, Jan 2, 2025, at 6:30 PM: 90s Music Bingo, hosted by Cheaters Never Prosper Trivia
• Fri, Jan 3, 2025, at 6 PM: FREE Music Friday with Corina Rose
• Sat, Jan 4, 2025, at 6 PM: FREE Music Saturday with Ryan Moran
• Thu, Jan 9, 2025, at 6 PM: Barrel Room Yoga, hosted by Twisted Fitness
• Fri, Jan 10, 2025, at 6 PM: January Beans & Brews and music by Dan Jamison
• Sat, Jan 11, 2025, at 6 PM: FREE Music Saturday with Paul Columbo
• Thu, Jan 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM: Paint and Sip, hosted by Painting with a Twist
• Fri, Jan 17, 2025, at 6 PM: January Beans & Brews and music by Starlite Serenade
• Sat, Jan 18, 2025, at 6 PM: FREE Music Saturday with SongSmith
• Thu, Jan 23, 2025, at 4:30 PM: Glass Blowing Classes
• Fri, Jan 24, 2025, at 6 PM: January Beans & Brews and music by Justin Murphy Music
• Sat, Jan 25, 2025, at 12 PM: Happy 12th Birthday Grandview!
• Fri, Jan 31, 2025, at 6 PM: January Beans & Brews SOUPer Bowl Championship and music by Rhyne & Tabyn McCormick

Red Wine Chocolate Truffles

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Grandview dry red wine of choice
• 227g semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp espresso powder
• Cocoa powder for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chocolate in a mixing bowl.
2. Heat cream in a saucepan until boiling.
3. Pour cream over chocolate; add sugar, espresso powder, vanilla, and wine.
4. Whisk until melted; use a double boiler if needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
6. Scoop and mold into balls, rolling in cocoa powder.
7. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray.
8. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.