There’s something about winter that makes everyone want to press pause. As soon as the sun starts disappearing earlier and the air gets that icy bite, it feels easier to swap nights out for sweat pants, soup, and back-to-back episodes of whatever’s trending on Netflix. I completely understand the appeal. In fact, I lean into it sometimes, no shame in that.
But I also know how quickly that comfortable stillness can become isolation. Before you realise it, you haven’t seen your closest friends in weeks. Your group chat is full of “we must catch up soon” messages, and your social calendar starts to look more like a to-do list from three months ago.
That used to happen to me every winter. And while I love a good duvet day, I’ve learned I feel so much better when I make the effort to stay connected, even when it’s freezing out. Not every gathering has to be a full-on night out. There are ways to keep your social life alive in winter without totally abandoning your inner homebody.
Here’s how I’ve managed to find that balance:
- The Warm-Hearted Host
If leaving the house feels like too much effort, I turn the tables and invite people over. Nothing fancy, usually pizza, maybe a glass of red or a mulled drink, and everyone brings something small. It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t need a formal invite. Just a “pop in if you’re around” message, and you’ve got a relaxed evening ahead.
There’s something deeply comforting about being with your people in a space that doesn’t feel performative. We’re all in socks, someone’s always curled up with a throw, and the conversation flows without pressure.
- Keep It Small, Keep It Special
Winter isn’t the season for huge crowds and loud bars, at least not for me. I’ve found smaller gatherings way more appealing this time of year. Think: brunch with one or two friends, an early movie followed by ramen, or a quiet wine tasting somewhere cosy.
The best part is that winter makes it socially acceptable to leave early. There’s no guilt in calling it a night by 9:30, and everyone seems to appreciate it.
- Lean into Daytime Catch-Ups
This was a game-changer. Instead of pushing all my social plans into cold, dark evenings, I’ve started scheduling more daytime get-togethers, especially on weekends. A sunny walk in the park with a takeaway coffee, a breakfast date at a café with strong heaters, or even a lazy afternoon at a bookshop or gallery.
It makes winter feel a bit brighter and helps break up the monotony of grey days. Plus, it means I’m usually home in time for my slippers and a hot water bottle. Win-win.
- Make Cosiness Part of the Plan
Part of what makes winter outings so unappealing is the logistics, figuring out what to wear, dreading the cold air hitting your face, and knowing you’ll have to defrost your car.
So I stopped pretending and started dressing purely for comfort. I now make sure whatever plans I make allow for layering, thick socks, and possibly sitting close to a heater. I’ve learned that if you build warmth into the event, whether that’s the venue, the food, or the vibe, people are more likely to show up and stay.
- Say Yes to Midweek Outings, But With a Plan
Sometimes, an invite sneaks into your inbox midweek that you want to say yes to, a friend’s birthday, a themed dinner, maybe even a casual drinks night. In summer, this is easy. In winter, you have to be strategic.
I’ve started preparing for these nights like I would for an important day at work: hydrating properly, eating before I go, and not over-committing to anything that will keep me out too late. And here’s where I sneak in my secret weapon, Myrkl. If I know there might be wine or cocktails involved, I take it two hours before I head out. It’s not about overdoing it—it’s about feeling fresh the next morning.
Honestly, there’ve been times when I expected to drag myself through the next day, but thanks to Myrkl, I woke up feeling… pretty normal. It helps me say “yes” more often, knowing I won’t completely derail the rest of my week.
- Create a Seasonal Ritual
Winter gives us the perfect excuse to make plans that revolve around comfort. I now have a few seasonal social rituals that make this time of year something to look forward to. For example:
- Soup Sundays: A rotating “hosted” lunch where each friend makes their best winter recipe. No pressure, just warm bowls and good company.
- Midweek Movie Nights: Usually a Tuesday or Wednesday evening with a close friend, a low-effort meal, and something nostalgic on screen.
- Winter Walks: A weekend stroll somewhere green when the sun is out, even just 20 minutes. It counts!
These small but meaningful traditions help me stay connected, and because they’re consistent, no one has to plan too far ahead.
- Stay Social Online But With Intention
Not every catch-up needs to be in person. Some of my best laughs in winter come from sending voice notes back and forth with people I haven’t seen in a while. A thoughtful message, a shared meme, or even a spontaneous video call can make a gloomy day feel a lot lighter.
I’ve also made peace with the fact that sometimes “socialising” just means engaging, checking in, replying properly, and taking the time to be present in someone’s life even if you’re not physically there.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to be the end of your social life; it just asks you to be a bit more creative. You can still be present, still connect, and still have fun without exhausting yourself or sacrificing the cosy comforts we all love.
Whether it’s hosting a relaxed night in, saying yes to the occasional evening out (with a little planning), or simply making time for voice notes and coffee walks, there are plenty of ways to stay warm and social.
So if you’re tempted to cancel all plans until September, I get it. But try holding onto a few of them. Add a blanket, a bowl of soup, or even a bit of Myrkl, and suddenly winter doesn’t feel quite so isolating after all.
If you found this article entertaining, you might enjoy reading Chasing Summer: The Modern Swallow’s Guide to Eternal Sunshine and What About A Latecation? as well.
*MYRKL is a supplement designed to support well-being while consuming alcohol and promote responsible alcohol consumption. It efficiently breaks down the absorption of alcohol, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your social experiences regret-free. Do not take more than the recommended dose of 2 capsules in 24 hours.
Based on a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind crossover study, conducted with 24 healthy subjects. Subjects were randomised to take 2 capsules/day of AB001 or placebo for 1 week prior to experimental day, where they ingested a light breakfast and drank a moderate glass of spirit (0.3 g/kg body weight).
- Pfützner A, Hanna M, Andor Y, Sachsenheimer D, Demircik F, Wittig T and de Faire J. Chronic Uptake of A Probiotic Nutritional Supplement (AB001) Inhibits Absorption of Ethylalcohol in the Intestine Tract – Results from a Randomized Double-blind Crossover Study. Nutr. Metab. Insights. 2022;15:1-5.
MYRKL (capsules), Unscheduled. D 34.12: Complementary Medicine (Health Supplement). Contains Fermented Rice Bran (Oryza sativa), L-Cysteine, Dextrin and Vitamin B12. (fermented by Bacillus subtilis & Bacillus coagulans). This medicine is subject to regulatory control by SAHPRA.
Developed and formulated by: De Faire Medical AB, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 11A, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden.
Applicant: Imperial Market Access Healthcare SA (Pty) Ltd, 57 Sarel Baard Crescent, Gateway Industrial Park, Rooihuiskraal, 0157.
General contact information: Tel: 012 621 4300, info.mahsa.sm@dpworld.com. For any quality or safety related queries, please contact Imperial Quality at quality.healthcare.sm@dpworld.com or Imperial Medical at pvimperiallogistics@dpworld.com.
