The Little Book of Winter: A Cozy Guide to a Season of Comfort and Happiness

by Brittany Viklund

Celebrate the magic of winter with 70 ways to find coziness, comfort, and happiness no matter the weather.

Discover simple ways to be happier everyday…no matter the season!

Embrace the coziness of winter months with activities that promote peace, relaxation, and mindfulness, perfect for slowing down and enjoying the season. The Little Book of Winter is here to make it easier than ever with 70 activities to help you make the most of the magical winter season. Try activities

-Crafting the perfect DIY simmer pot. Transform your home into a cozy haven with simple ingredients that will make your home feel warm, smell delicious, and take no time at all.

-Create the perfect winter bucket list. It’s important to create space for moments of joy—so start with the suggestions in this bucket list (like decorating with string lights and going on a winter walk!) before adding your own seasonal must-dos.

-Treat yourself to something that feels luxurious. Winter is about taking the time to treat yourself and indulge in something that bring you joy, whether it’s a luxurious new shower gel, a slow morning with nowhere to be, or fresh baked bread warm from the oven.

-And many more!

Whether you live for those chilly winter nights spent by the fire or need a little convincing to get in the spirit, this book will teach you to boost your mood, find joy in the everyday moments, and feel happier…no matter the weather.

Genres: Nonfiction, Cozy

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Little Book of Winter is a beautiful and cosy guidebook to all things winter.
I've never been much of a fan of winter (except for christmas) and am much more an autumn girly, but this was a very soothing and relaxing read with lots of great ideas and activities as well as lots of mindfulness too.
The book includes recipes, over 70 different activities, and mood boosting feel-good vibes throughout.
This would make a wonderful gift for any lovers of winter or for anyone needing to find more mindfulness and wellness within their life.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve finished this, but I’m going to be keeping it next to me all winter. It is all the cozy, wonderful things about winter condensed into one book; I put easily 50 flags in it, trying to remember all the amazing ideas for ways to celebrate the season and create joy and comfort in day to day life. I’ll be rereading this probably all season, it’s become a winter staple for me.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Book of Winter is a cozy companion for the colder months, with simple hygge-inspired ideas and seasonal rituals that make the long stretch after the holidays feel a little lighter. Some of the tips are familiar, but I still found value in the Scandinavian touches and the curated lists of movies, music, and activities that help set a winter mood. It’s the kind of book you can dip back into each year as a seasonal reset.

Side note: I found it incredibly annoying to read through the NetGalley reader—but that’s not the book’s fault.

3,5 ⭐️rounded up

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute but may become dated when naming specific books, song titles, movies etc. The recipes and crafty ideas are more time enduring.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little book of winter activities and recipes and quotes.

[Gwenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful! So many great ideas for a cold winter day(not that we get many in Brittany’s home town of las cruces). Will certainly use the ideas again and again!

[Kaat SweetOnStories · Rating 5 out of 5]

The people in my life who know me (and my best friend) tend to have a laugh at how winter-oriented we are. In August, we plan our visits to Christmas shows at various garden centers. We begin sipping hot chocolate in September. We visit said garden centers in October, and come home with tons of stuff for the season. In November, we watch holiday movies, visit Christmas markets in Germany and put Christmas music on blast in (usually) her car. December is it: our favorite holiday arrives. It's over in 2 days. And then... the inevitable crash of January and February. Gray. Dreary. Cold. That's why I picked up this book: The Little Book of Winter by Brittany Viklund. Because Christmas is just one part of winter, and it's at the very beginning of the season. How do we get through the rest?

Reading this book is a perfect first step: Viklund immediately challenges the mindset that winter is "Gray. Dreary. Cold." It starts with the book's beautiful design: it's full of warm wintery illustrations in pretty subdued hues (teals, grays and golden ochres). The fonts used are gorgeous, and there are a few (not too many) apt inspirational quotes sprinkled in between. The book itself looks like it belongs in the winter season, and it's anything but gray, dreary or cold. Point made...

Me having that somewhat judgy mindset when it comes to winter initially matters though, because I feel the author really manages to reach me and convince me that I've got it all wrong. We are human beings, and as such we can control so much about how we experience life. We just need to be set in our intentions. This is the central theme of The Little Book of Winter: setting intentions for making this season actually work for you.

I find a gleeful bit of irony in the title: for a book that's called "little", it somehow feels big. Viklund's opus (that's what it feels like!) on winter is packed full of ideas and thoughts, an amount I really didn't expect. She has recipes, she has ideas for gatherings with loved ones, a few reading lists (I've actually gone ahead and put a few of her recs on my TBR pile), exercise ideas, indoor activities and more. And none of it feels like filler, either, because she keeps that mindset challenge ongoing throughout the read by inviting you to look at these activities through a lens of restfulness, restoration, and mindfulness. (At times this feels repetitive, but I think the reminder is partially necessary to keep that mind open.)

Does the book have a bit of an idyllic, dreamy vibe? Yes. But Viklund doesn't insist you do it all to obtain a higher plane of winter wellbeing. Because she covers many themes, there's something in here for everyone. All it takes is one suggestion, one hook the reader can incorporate into an existing passion or a desire to find a new hobby, and Viklund will have accomplished her goal to make winter a more wholesome period for an audience member. The book inspires readers to take something that speaks to them, and utilize that in various ways throughout the season. I think Viklund's love for winter shines bright, and she manages to get readers on board in a way that works for them.

Yes... A lot of her suggestions and ideas would seem obvious. Of course taking a brisk walk in winter and feeling the cold air on one's face can be restorative. Yes, lighting candles is an easy thing to do in winter. Obviously, the house is immediately more cozy once everything smells like cinnamon and apple pie. But the knowing of those things is not the point, I don't think. It's that we - in our busy lives full of expectations - overlook these simple things. We're sleeping on this. Under a rock. By listing things that are simple, yet placing them in the overarching context of the value of slow living, we get a sort of refresher course. One that is powerful, because it is obtainable by taking small steps, rather than managed by expectations that are often outside of our control. With that in mind, I've already decided that this book (which invites annual reflection) is worth a revisit next winter. I'd use it to refresh my mindset and prepare for winter in a positive way again. As I continue to grow as a person, an idea that didn't speak to me this year may be something to try next winter. Or the one after that.

Another welcome effect of her focus on many simpler matters, is that I recognize many things I'm already doing, and there's a comfort and validation in that. Little things that bring joy, seeing them mentioned in a book like this, makes me feel like I'm already on the right track and appreciating the good stuff. The more I read, the more aware I become of my own set-up here at home. The blanket covering me, the faux candles lit on the coffee table next to the sofa.

Just as I'm burrowed into my pillows, I'm burrowed into this cozy read, catching myself beginning to feel a warm anticipation for snowy days, wearing mittens, dark evenings at home with the fairy lights still strung everywhere. Suddenly, January and February don't seem so bad anymore.

**Thank you NetGalley and Adams Media for generously providing me with a copy of this book; all opinions expressed are honest, voluntary and 100% my own.**

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Little Book of Winter by Brittany Viklund

Rating: 4 Stars

I picked up The Little Book of Winter by Brittany Viklund with the kind of eager, chilly anticipation that only a dedicated winter-lover understands, and for the most part it delivered exactly what I wanted: a small, sweet companion to help me lean into the season.

At its heart this is a compact, feel-good guide full of 70 simple ideas for making the long, cold months feel cozy, comforting, and a little happier. Viklund’s suggestions are intentionally low-fuss and approachable — think simmer pots that fill your home with warming scents, a ready-made winter bucket list (with prompts like string-light decorating and neighborhood walks), and little luxuries to treat yourself to, from slow mornings to freshly baked bread. The emphasis is on slowing down, practicing small acts of self-care, and noticing the quiet pleasures of winter rather than fighting the weather. There are recipes, activities, and mindfulness nudges scattered throughout, all aimed at helping you find mood-boosting moments no matter how grey it gets outside.

I loved the book’s aesthetic — the cover alone made me smile and put me in the right frame of mind. Inside, the illustrations are charming and reinforce that cozy vibe; they felt like friendly hand-drawn encouragements to light a candle and get comfortable. That said, I did wish there were a few photos to break things up and give more visual inspiration for the projects and recipes. The illustrations work well, but a couple of real-life images would have been a nice complement.

Content-wise, the ideas are simple but effective. This isn’t a deep-dive wellness manual; it’s more of a tiny toolkit of small rituals and practical tips you can pick and choose from depending on your mood. That flexibility is one of the book’s strengths — you can treat it as a sourcebook for new seasonal habits or as a quick, uplifting read when you need a morale boost. It would make a lovely gift for anyone who thrives on winter or for someone who could use a gentle push toward more mindfulness and comfort during the darker months.

Overall I’d give The Little Book of Winter four stars. It’s cozy, encouraging, and full of easily implemented ideas that actually made me appreciate my favorite season even more. A couple more photos would have elevated the package, but even without them this is a delightful little handbook for anyone looking to make winter feel a bit warmer.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Adams Media, and Brittany Viklund for allowing me to read and review a digital ARC.

I originally requested this book from NetGalley before I unexpectedly had to move with only sixty days’ notice. Winter is already a challenging season for me—the early sunsets, the gray skies, the long nights—so I was hoping this book might help me approach the coming months with a little more resilience and creativity. And honestly, I’m so glad I read it.

"The Little Book of Winter" offers seventy gentle, approachable ideas for embracing the season—not by pretending winter is joyful all the time, but by inviting more intention, coziness, and care into it. I especially appreciated the suggestions around celebrating the winter solstice (I love the idea of observing all the seasonal shifts), creating evening rituals (a personal favorite of mine), and curating a winter mood board (I adore collaging and visual mood-setting). These ideas felt grounding and doable, not overwhelming.

While some of the entertaining suggestions weren’t really my style, I appreciated that this book feels like a menu: take what speaks to you and leave the rest. It’s the kind of book you can dip in and out of—read a section here, skim another there, set it down and return when you need a lift. It’s on the shorter side and not heavy on visuals, but it’s rich with inspiration.

Even in the middle of unpacking boxes and adjusting to the time change, I found myself setting aside a few pages I want to return to when winter fully settles in. I’ve added this to my “to buy” list so I can revisit it throughout the season. And I especially appreciated the reminders to connect with nature—because I know from experience that even a short walk outside on a cold day can make all the difference in how I feel.

This is a lovely book for both winter-lovers and those already counting down to spring. It encouraged me to meet winter with presence, curiosity, and intention—which is exactly what I needed.

[Big Mama Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Book of Winter by Brittany Viklund
3.5 stars rounded up

A cozy book to get you into the colder months. Living on the East Coast, I really enjoy the four seasons. Lately, I have been trying to be very intentional with my time and goals for each season. This book is a great starting point or refresher to get you into the winter spirit. It’s not focused on the holiday season, which I enjoyed! I feel like after the holidays, the colder months can drag on. This book had a lot of great ideas to make the winter season more enjoyable.

What I liked:
* Cozy, practical ideas that I feel like I could actually implement in my life.
* My favorite chapter was the chapter on “Lessons from Scandinavia.”
* All things hygge
* I am a mood reader and in season cooker. I loved the lists of ideas to watch certain movies and listen to certain music during winter.
* I was not familiar with the author of this book. I looked her up and really liked all her vibes on socials.

What I didn’t like:
* Some of the ideas are very generic.

This book would be a wonderful gift! I can see myself purchasing this book to bring to a holiday gathering for the host, for someone who has seasonal depression in the winter, or just as a cozy “thanks for having me” gift. I could see myself picking up this book each year to get me into the winter spirit.


Thank you to NetGalley and Adams Media for providing the ARC!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Little Book of Winter, A Cozy Guide to Season of Comfort and Happiness by Brittany Viklund is simply delightful. There is stereotypical ambiance that winter suggests, but this may not be a ones size fits all truth. The days are short, and the nights are long, creating a perfect opportunity to slow down and embrace the coziness and potential peacefulness of the season. There are seventy entries in the form of activities, crafts, recipes, and some learning opportunities. You should have no trouble finding an entry that resonates with you, or perhaps even challenges you try something new, whether your preference is indoors or outdoors. I also appreciated the sprinkling of quotes from famous authors throughout the pages. The whimsical snowflakes, muted colors, and winter themed embellishments add to the cozy ambiance as you are reading. If you find yourself bored this winter or maybe just looking for a new way to pass the long hours, pick up this guide and enjoy the benefits of the collected options.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Chelsea (2_girls_bookin_it) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5 stars

Thank you Brittany Viklund and Simon Audio for the ALC of The Little Book of Winter!

I love this book so much, and it had so many wonderful little activities and recipes, that I had to buy a physical copy. One of the things that really stuck out to me was the outlook of how winter is a time to relax and recharge, and as someone who has a hard time doing that, it made me realize why I might not like winter as much as I do other seasons. So this book set me into a new headspace - looking at winter as a time to focus on resetting rather than a time of year I often dread because of the time change. I also think the narrator of the audiobook is wonderful. Her voice was perfect for setting a cozy tone and mindset while listening. Very soothing.

Some of my favorite activity suggestions from the book:
- indulging in small pleasures like candles, freshly baked bread, and twinkle lights
- recs for movies, books, and music
- use what you have simmer pot
- create a winter dopamine menu
- the stuffed dates recipe (which I already knew, but they’re addicting so I have to share)

This is a book I’d buy for anyone to have on hand!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Book of Winter is a cozy seasonal read that captures the charm of gathering, slowing down, and savoring winter’s simple pleasures. Brittany has a gift for creating warmth with her words, and her ideas invite readers to look at the season through a gentler lens. I especially loved the section where she offered simple, thoughtful ways to host gatherings and bring people together during the colder months—it’s a highlight that made me want to try a few of her suggestions this winter.

That said, I found the book somewhat repetitive at times, and I caught myself wishing for a bit more variety or depth in the reflections. I personally connect more with Brittany’s Substack, Brittany’s Notebook, where her writing feels fresher and more layered.

Still, fans of her style will likely enjoy curling up with this book as a companion for the colder months. It offers inspiration for those who want to make winter a season of intention and connection, even if, like me, you prefer her shorter-form writing.

[Jennyfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Little Book of Winter is a delightful book to help one focus on enjoying the season, rather than just slogging through it. From games to gratitude, recipes to reading lists this book encourages you to be present in the season - enjoying the frosts and the blanket forts - and fostering old-school connectivity with others, all inspired by Nordic and Scandinavian principles. The activities and meditations are separated by inspiration winter themed quotes.

Refreshingly, this book does not focus on the seasonal holidays that occur during Northern Hemisphere winters (although there are oblique references to them), so this is a book that is accessible for all.

I did find some of the ideas were repeated several times under different themes, which did end up feeling a little like padding at times, but it's not a deal breaker.

All up a lovely little book of ideas for a cosy winter.

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a winter baby born in November, I loved this book encouraging us to embrace the cold crisp days, layer up and embrace the cold with soft lighting, warm blankets, winter films and playlists made especially for the winter months.

Along with good ideas for crafting, learning new skills or hobbies getting cozy and warm, nice recipies for multiple meals and fun flavoured porridge a warming breakfast to appreciate stimulating your senses with warming spices and simply taking time to enjoy a nice warming coffee to, maybe even a new winter special blend, writing or reading feeling gratitude, spending time with family or doing solo rituals, appreciating nature's beauty, soaking your senses in all winter brings us the see, hear, feel, prepare fun plans, solo or with friends, family or both.

A great book/guide to embrace the season and make the most of the joy it brings!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cozy book this is! The Little Book of Winter is a fantastic primer to set your mind, intention, and heart towards a soothing and joy-filled season. It’s packed with thoughtful ideas, inviting recipes, and gentle contemplations—all geared towards creating a deeply meaningful winter.

I found it both nurturing and inspiring, and the graphics and layout add beautifully to the cozy aesthetic. Reading through felt like being wrapped in a soft blanket with a cup of tea in hand. I plan to use many of the restful, contemplative ideas to help slow down and savor the months ahead.

I also think this little book would make a wonderful gift. It’s perfect for anyone looking to be reminded (and inspired!) of ways to snuggle up, slow down, and live with joyful, meaningful intention this winter.

Special thanks to Adams Media, NetGalley, and the author for the gifted copy❄️

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most mornings, I drink a cup of coffee, read a bit and write. I love reading inspirational books in the morning to help usher me into a good day and this book is bringing all the winter feels. First, it’s in color! The soft blue and tan hues instantly settle me into a more serene state of mind. Second, it’s filled with short passages and recommendations for a comfortable cozy season and third, it’s perfect to read in small doses and when I need a little pick-me-up. This book is part of my EASE book apothecary and its helping me to slow down and remember the little things that I can only enjoy now in this present season.

[Emilee Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of all things cozy, this book was so perfect. Reading it in August made me very excited for the upcoming winter season. There were so many good ideas from hosting with intentionality, to doing fun crafts at home. The illustrations throughout this book were very cute, and added a cozy vibe to the book. I especially loved the movie, book, and music playlists! I can’t wait to try the bread loaf and cookie recipe in this book. Overall, a great read on how to romanticize and cherish winter!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of this book!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, cozy read. Reading this book during the summer-to-fall seasonal transition made me excited for winter's arrival. The Little Book of Winter is filled with ideas and activities to enjoy during the winter season. I loved the different recipes and plan to try them. I may even switch up some of the activities and do them in the fall. This book was truly inspiring and a breath of fresh air. It was a wonderful pick-me-up, and now I'm looking forward to winter.

*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[Donna Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

E-ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! Thank you!

This was an absolutely adorable little book on little activities and others to help fit into the wondrous cold season of winter. There are plenty of different objectives the author describes that you can do, like making a winter bucket list or even planning a small get-together. There are also sweet and short recipes for different foods, drinks, or even small DIY self-help items. I really enjoyed the plethora of recommendations for activities as well, which include self-help and getting yourself into winter, too. Overall, if you are looking for a great small book to help you with getting into the winter season, this is it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Adams Media for the ARC.

I plan to buy this book in a physical copy because I want to go slowly through it and enjoy it during winter! There are some recipes, ideas for things to do during winter, and generally just some nice slow-down activities to help enjoy and find joy during the winter season. This is a book to take your time with... which is perfect for slowing down some in the winter to reflect and enjoy.

[Ms. Woc Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up hoping to get some more ideas for having a cozy winter. There's different activities for the young and old featured in this book. Even though some I had already heard of I found some of the movie and book suggestions to be a nice variety. Towards the end however it started to get very repetitive like there wasn't enough to fill and entire book so the author just kept repeating the same sentiments.

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embrace the coziness of the winter season! This is the perfect little book to help you get excited for the winter months ahead. Topics include recipes, rituals for winter evenings, make your own winter bucket list and more. I thank Netgalley and Adam’s Media for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[NancyAnn Wartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy book brings magical moments and enjoyment into the nooks and crannies of the winter days. Whether you're seeing time for yourself, your family or those you're inviting into your sweet home, here are refreshing ideas, recipes and thoughts that are just what is needed! EXCELLENT book! Highly recommend! Thanks, Brittany Viklund for this treasure!

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, cozy little book full of ideas to make winter a bit more bearable and reminders to take it slow, reflect, and enjoy the slower season. Helps to refrain winter from something to survive to something to enjoy.

At times a little repetitive but overall an enjoyable book full of wonderful ideas.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brings winter coziness into one’s life in a very fulfilling way. There are many examples of activities to do, things, to make, calming ideas. This is a book you would want to have so one can read it every Winter.

[Zora Aiden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely little dose of seasonal comfort! This book feels like a cozy blanket and cup of tea in written form. I loved the folklore, reflections, and gentle reminders to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the colder months. Perfect for anyone who loves hygge or seasonal living.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this cozy little retreat wrapped up in a book. It’s full of suggestions to make winter a peaceful time of warmth and rest. I actually look forward to this time of year because I so enjoy the activities suggested in this book. Winter restores my soul, as did this book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love winter and the coziness it brings. Not everyone enjoys winter so I loved that this book highlights all of the benefits of the season. This book had tons of ideas for appreciating the slowness of the season and basking in the coziness it brings.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are pieces of this book that im wanting to try, however i did find sections to be repetitive.