Book & Tea Pairing: Wintering

​As we settle into the cold, dreary winter months following the excitement of the holidays, it’s easy to fall into a slump. Especially as the pandemic rages on and we continue to maintain our social distance. The one thing this time of year is good for? Catching up on some reading!

The Book: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May

UK-based author Katherine May’s Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times is a thought-provoking examination of the season and the various ways we cope through the painful times in our lives. Katherine tells the story of her own wintering – including her personal medical issues and her husband’s illness – and the lessons she’s learned from weathering the storm. She draws on her own experience of the changing seasons and coping strategies – like winter ocean swimming (yikes!) – along with the traditions of other northern cultures. (The sauna plays a major role in many of these cultures and climates – which sounds a lot more pleasant than icy seawater.)

​While I’m not a sea swimmer, I can relate to the therapeutic experience Katherine describes in the article she wrote for The Outdoor Swimming Society. The story of her relationship with water and her adult diagnosis of autism are inseparable. She even gives us a glimpse into her winter of hospital visits and diagnostic tests as she awaits an explanation for her persistent abdominal pain.

Of course illness is only one manifestation of winter, but it certainly demands its share of rest and retreat. As Katherine puts it, “winter is asking me to be more careful with my energies and to rest a while until spring.” Some would say the world is enduring a collective winter of sorts at the moment. And while we anxiously await the spring, the best prescription for our wintering souls may be this book, a hot cup of tea and a warm blanket. 

The Tea: Savoy Tea Company's Frosted Orange Roll Tea

Nothing beats the winter blues like the scent of fresh-baked orange rolls in the morning. This Chinese black tea from Savoy Tea Company is one of my favorite flavored varieties. One of the perks of “wintering” as the author defines it is the chance to indulge from time to time. This tea is a true indulgence and the perfect pick-me-up in a cup for cold, dreary days. The flavor is subtle but the aroma is heavenly, especially when paired with actual rolls. Plus, Savoy packages their teas in cute tins that can be re-used for just about anything – they’re great for storing tea, corralling craft supplies or making beeswax candles. 

If you enjoyed the book, check out Katherine’s podcast The Wintering Sessions.