The Gifts of Winter: how to uncover seasonal joy, health and happiness

by Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald

Brought to you by Penguin.

Too often, we prepare ourselves to endure, rather than enjoy, the winter months. The Gifts of Winter is your reminder that this can be a magical season, rich with natural miracles and spectacular beauty, as well as the perfect time to slow down, restore and reset for the year ahead. But to benefit, we need to embrace winter, rather than pretend it's not happening.

Part contemplative, part practical, this transformative guide will inspire you to lean into winter as a period of rest and reflection and learn how to unlock its healing powers so your body and brain can thrive.

Chartered psychologist, Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald, draws upon decades of clinical expertise and her personal experience of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), to show you how to navigate winter's challenges and uncover its joys.

Woven with simple tips, mindset advice and regular reflection prompts, as well as charming illustrations to help bring winter to life, with this beautiful book you will come to see winter in a whole new, positive light.

Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

Audible Audio

Published October 16, 2025

Reviews

[Alison S ☯️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written and narrated (by the author), with some interesting insights and useful tips. The writing grated on me at times as it was a little cheesy and "cringe". As a white, educated middle class woman, I know I am the target audience for this book, but I was often uneasily aware that the author was writing from a position of privilege. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't read Wintering and How To Winter first, as they were both superior books by far.

[Cristina Cuervo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING. I can’t believe more people haven’t read it!! Whether you’re in a funk of winter blues or excited for the season, I think you’ll take something away from this book. The production is beautiful (the illustrations and notes from the author really increase the hygge levels), and the entire book was substantively gorgeous. Will hopefully articulate this better later (bought the book and read it in one sitting so currently in a haze), but in summary loved this and can’t recommend it enough!!

[Jenny Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

An ode to the sparkling, prinkling, and unfurling of winter. Lovely.

[Claire Milne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Winter but still found this a really lovely, useful and informative book. listened to it on audiobook and the author's voice was soothing.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful stuff