Happy New Year!  My intention for January is to rest up before the craziness of another farming season begins, but I don’t want to waste this time either.  So I’m trying something different: a little things bingo board!  Included on the board are 24 free or inexpensive tasks that will hopefully bring me joy, peace and/or a boost of creativity.  We’ll see how many I can check off the list.  If you need a little something to get you through this month, feel free to play along too!

The tasks are:

• Go for a 20 minute walk outside. // Grab that warm coat and cozy hat and gloves!  Breathe deep in the cold air, get the blood flowing and intentionally seek out the winter beauty around you.
• Send someone some snail mail. // Everyone loves to find a surprise in their mailbox.
• Watch the sunrise. // This can be such a peaceful start to the day.
• Try a new warm drink. // A few ideas: the classic hot toddy, spiced hot cocoa, or cinnamon milk.
• Buy some flowers. // There aren’t a ton of options in the middle of winter, but worth the search.
• Go to bed early. // Bedtime at 9pm or even earlier? Yes please!
• Make something new for dinner. // Time to scour Pinterest or the cookbooks for something delicious.
• Stretch. // Regular stretching is so important for flexibility, good posture, stress relief, even blood flow to muscles and joints.  This is a good time to start a new habit.
• Play a card game. // Our family favorite is Queen of Spades, but the kids received a ton of new games that I can’t wait to try.
• Print out some photos. // So many photos taken that never leave my camera or phone!
• Declutter ten items. // Hopefully ten items will quickly snowball into a cleaner, calmer space.
• Ask for help. //  So hard.  So necessary.
• Complete a puzzle. // The quintessential winter activity!
• Start a vitamin routine. // Pick the non-negotiables and take them every single morning.
• Take a technology break. // Another good habit to start.
• Do something creative. // This is vague on purpose so I can choose whatever seems to be calling me!  Cross-stitch, sewing, junk journaling, bread baking…lots of options.
• Read a cozy mystery. // I’d like to get to the next book in the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and/or start The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax series.
• Send a thank-you card. // This is the perfect time to say thank you for all of those generous Christmas gifts.
• Listen to classical music. // This collection of wintery pieces will easily be on repeat this month.
• Watch a wintery movie. // This post has some good ideas.  Little Women or The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe may be my favorites.
• Order new pajamas. // ‘Tis the season for flannel pajamas!
• Make a new soup. // Some ideas: sausage tortellini soup, creamy chicken and corn chowder, or philly cheesesteak stew.
• Get a haircut. // This is the most expensive task on the list, but maybe even a DIY trim at home could count.
• Eat by candlelight. // Maybe for an at-home date night?

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