As the crisp air turns icy and the vibrant fall leaves are replaced by a blanket of snow, the Catskill Mountains of New York transform into a winter wonderland. Living here, we are lucky to witness nature’s artistry unfold right outside our door. This year marks a little over one year since we moved into our home in the Catskills, and as the seasons change, so do we.
The Changing Scenery of the Catskills
The Catskills have an undeniable charm in every season, but winter brings a unique beauty that feels like stepping into a storybook. The once-green mountains are now dusted with snow, and bare trees stand like delicate silhouettes against the pale winter sky. The streams, lively and bubbling in spring, slow down under sheets of ice, their muted trickle a reminder of the quieter season.
Snow blankets the trails where we once hiked among blooming wildflowers. Fields that hosted deer and turkeys in the warmer months now appear serene, their soft white covering untouched except for the occasional footprints of wildlife. The air carries a stillness that only winter can bring, a calmness that invites introspection and gratitude.
The Ritual of Stacking Wood
With winter’s arrival comes the timeless ritual of preparing for warmth. Stacking firewood isn’t just a chore; it’s a connection to the season and a way to stay active. Each log carried, split, and stacked becomes a tangible investment in comfort for the cold months ahead.
It’s hard work, but it has its rewards—keeping you fit while offering moments to pause and enjoy the surroundings. There’s something meditative about the rhythmic clink of wood against wood, the sight of neatly stacked piles ready to fuel cozy fires, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re prepared for the chill.
A German Shepherd’s Winter Playground
Our German Shepherd, now 1 year and 1 month old, might be the most enthusiastic about the snow. This winter marks his first as a fully grown, energetic companion, and watching him play in the snow is pure joy. His long coat, designed for colder weather, glistens with frost as he bounds through drifts, his tail a blur of excitement.
We often take him to our local park, where his boundless energy turns the snowy fields into his personal playground. He leaps, sprints, and dives into the snowbanks, barely pausing to rest before taking off again. His joy is infectious and a reminder to find delight in simple moments.
For that one second he does stop, it’s usually to catch his breath, his tongue lolling and his eyes sparkling with mischief. Then, in an instant, he’s off again, chasing a snowball or exploring the park’s winter landscape.
From Outdoor Projects to Indoor Comforts
With the colder weather, our focus shifts from outdoor projects to indoor ones. Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to make this house our home, transforming it into a place that reflects who we are. From renovating spaces to personalizing every corner, each project has added layers of warmth and comfort to our sanctuary in the mountains.
Winter gives us time to tackle those lingering indoor tasks—the ones we put off during the busier outdoor seasons. It’s a time for woodworking, organizing, and even dreaming up ideas for the garden come spring. While we miss the long days filled with sunlight, there’s something cozy about retreating indoors as the snow falls outside.
The Beauty of Longer Nights
One of winter’s gifts is longer nights, a natural invitation to rest and recharge. As much as we miss the extended daylight of summer, there’s a certain luxury in having more hours to wind down. Nights here are peaceful, with the crackling of the woodstove providing a soothing soundtrack as we sip tea or read by the fire.
Our evenings often end with our shepherd curled up near the hearth, finally worn out from a day of snowy adventures. It’s a scene that feels timeless, one that embodies the spirit of winter—quiet, warm, and deeply comforting.
Reflecting on a Year in Our Catskills Home
It’s hard to believe it’s been just over a year since we moved to the Catskills. This house, which once felt like a blank canvas, has become our special place, a home infused with our personality and care. Every room tells a story, every corner holds a memory.
The first winter here was about settling in, learning the rhythms of life in the mountains, and tackling the practical tasks of homeownership. Now, in our second winter, we feel more rooted. We’ve created traditions, established routines, and grown to love the quirks and beauty of this place.
Finding Joy in the Present Season
Winter, for all its challenges, has a way of slowing things down. It reminds us to appreciate the present, to find joy in the small things—a snowy morning walk, the glow of the fire, the sound of laughter echoing in the frosty air. It’s a season of reflection, of gratitude for the home we’ve built and the life we’re creating here.
As the snow continues to fall and the days grow shorter, we’ll keep stacking wood, watching our shepherd play in the snow, and tackling those indoor projects. Winter in the Catskills is more than just a season; it’s a chapter in our story, one that we embrace wholeheartedly.
Here’s to another winter in the mountains, filled with warmth, wonder, and the magic of this place we now call home.
Closing Thoughts
The Catskills have a way of weaving themselves into your heart, and winter only deepens that bond. For me, this season is not just about enduring the cold—it’s about embracing the transformation, celebrating the cozy moments, and finding beauty in the stillness.
Whether it’s watching my dog’s boundless joy in the snow, feeling the warmth of the woodstove after a day’s work, or simply gazing out at the serene landscape, winter here is a reminder of why we chose this place. It’s not just home; it’s where our hearts feel most alive.