If January had a personality, it would probably be: quiet, slightly dramatic, and obsessed with fresh starts.
Every year, January shows up with two competing vibes:
-
“Let’s stay inside forever.”
-
“Let’s change our entire life immediately.”
I’m showing up here in 2026 with a third option: a soft reset. No need to restore full factory settings. I’m here for the simple, cozy, low-pressure ways to feel more grounded without turning your life into a spreadsheet (unless you’re into that… no judgment).
Here are 12 analog-ish winter ideas in RVA that don’t require perfect weather, perfect energy, or a brand-new personality.
1) Take a “20-minute winter walk”
Not a hike. Not a fitness quest. Just 20 minutes outside—your neighborhood, Libby Hill Park, a stroll somewhere pretty. Winter light is underrated, and so is fresh air that doesn’t feel like hot soup.
2) Do a “Carytown meander” with one rule: no rushing
Go mid-morning or early afternoon, before parking is a nightmare. With a friend, or solo. Pop in and out of shops. Buy one small treat. Leave before it turns into a whole production.
3) Choose one museum afternoon
Pick one museum, commit to wandering slowly, and let yourself be inspired by something that has nothing to do with your to-do list. Bonus points if you finish with coffee and a little people-watching. My recommendations? The Valentine for learning something new about Richmond, or the VMFA and check out Giants- the fantastic collection from Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.
4) Plan a “third place” date with yourself
A third place is somewhere that isn’t home and isn’t work—where you can just… exist. Coffee shop, bookstore, cozy bar corner, library. Bring a book. Bring a notebook. Bring absolutely no expectation of productivity. (This is kind of what Silent Reading Party is to me- a way to just be. And a chance to read, with no distraction of phone calls, laundry, or things that need doing. It’s also a great way to “ease in” to a solo date- everyone else is doing the same thing!)
5) Do a “phone in the bag” dinner
Put your phone in your bag (or in the other room) for one meal. Light a candle if you want to be extra. It’s weirdly peaceful, and you can do it at home, or out- again, solo or with someone.
6) Make one reservation for February
January can feel like a waiting room, and a cold one at that. Give yourself something to look forward to: a dinner, a show, a day trip. Future-you will be thrilled.
7) Pick one “winter comfort” ritual
Tea at 3pm. A nightly stretch. A puzzle on the table. A playlist while you cook. The point isn’t perfection—it’s repetition.
8) Do a Sunday reset that’s not a punishment (way better than Sunday Scaries)
Just give it ten minutes: toss old flowers, wipe counters, start laundry, set out Monday clothes. Done. No all-day cleaning marathon required.
9) Go on a “library date”
Yes, seriously. The library is the ultimate January vibe: quiet, cozy, and it makes you feel like you have your whole life together. Oh, and you might even learn something!
10) Try a new neighborhood walk
Park somewhere you don’t usually park and take a 30-minute loop. You’ll notice details you’ve never seen. (And if you fall in love with an area… you know who to call!) 
11) Make a “winter inside” bucket list (5 items max)
Keep it tiny:
-
one soup recipe
-
one movie night
-
one friend dinner
-
one day trip
-
one declutter project
That’s it. January doesn’t have to be a self-improvement bootcamp.
12) Write down three things you want more of in 2026
Not goals. Just more of.
More outside time. More dinner parties. More calm mornings. More saying “no” without guilt.
This list becomes your compass for the year.
Will you try any of these? Let me know if you do!
