Apparently yesterday was most depressing day of the year; we’ve all broken the usual resolutions about not drinking, giving up smoking, losing weight. Add to that the fact that we got paid early in December, that we have a mountain of credit card bills to pay off from Christmas shopping and that it’s aaaages until the Spring, it can all be a bit soul-destroying. But, for a privileged few the seasonal way of life means we don’t have to join the miserable hordes. For us (including you) every month (yes, even January) has it’s plus points and it’s own personality that we can work with, welcome and plan for. Granted, January is a little less approachable than the bright, optimistic March, or the warm, endless June but that’s not to say we can’t still be friends with it. January suggests, in fact, almost insists that you don’t bother doing any work (there’s very little you can usefully do in the garden other than a bit of tidying up) so your time is your own. Go for a long walk in the woods then come home, cosy up in front of a fire and enjoy some of the delicious produce that is still around in the shape of game (have you had your fill of partridge, woodcock, pheasant, venison and duck yet? I very much doubt it) root vegetables (parsnips, artichokes, carrots, chicory are all great right now) or fish (ditto - cockles, rock oysters, whiting). Anyone who suggests January is a barren month really isn’t looking hard enough.
 
And whilst you’re enjoying the best of the season you could make some New Year resolutions that you’ll actually have a chance of keeping. How about doing some of the following, all of which can be small but important steps towards the seasonal way of life:

  • Eat more sustainable fish
  • Try a new type of meat
  • Plan a seashore-foraging or mushroom-hunting expedition
  • Have a meat-free day
  • Get a window box
  • Plan to plant something you haven’t grown before
  • Get a seasonal cookery book
  • Buy more local food
  • Put your name on an allotment waiting list
  • Become and educated comsumer and learn what the different welfare symbols on food packaging mean

And if none of that helps, you may be interested to know that the commonly-held view of when Spring starts is incorrect. Astronomically (and also as far as the Met Office are concerned) 1st March is the first day of Spring. The 21st is the vernal equinox and, technically, should be somewhere in the middle of the season. On that basis, there are just forty days to go!