So much of homesteading happens during the 3 seasons of the year when the weather allows you to be outside, and yet that final season is when your homesteading skills can truly grow.  

Winter on the homestead mainly involves a lot of inside projects, but homesteading skills are totally doable. Inside projects don’t often feel as fulfilling because oftentimes there are fewer physical changes, like growing a huge plant or seeing shelves become filled with canning jars.

For many, winters can be hard. (That includes me!) The short days make the months feel long.  The lack of sunlight can trigger seasonal depression.  Money can also feel tight after weeks of holidays and potential travel. I’ve found that winter projects make winter more fun, and honestly, becomes something I look forward to.

Here are a bunch of homesteading skills to make your winter more productive while also getting through some of the hardest months of the year:

 

Clean Out your Freezer

Going through your freezers yearly will help make the space for more food that you’ll preserve in the future, but it also makes sure that you’re eating the food that you already have.  Reducing food waste is super important, and cleaning out your freezers is a great place to start. 

What to do:

— participate in the Three Rivers Homestead pantry challenge

— can up the produce that you didn’t quite get to in the summer

 

Learn New Homesteading Skills

There’s no time like the present to pick up a new skill or hone in on your skills.  As of writing this, I’m learning to knit.  I purchased a skein of yarn, needles, and a book.  Then, I sat down and watched a bunch of YouTube videos. I’m slowly making progress, and the process of learning a new skill is always a good experience.

What to do:

— check out a book from the library on knitting, sewing, or crocheting

— buy a cheesemaking kit and learn one skill

Make Something your Family Uses

Have a look around your house and notice the consumable products that your family uses on a regular basis.  Usually, consumable products are paper products but look beyond that.  If there’s a product you or your family use regularly, think about ways that you can make that product from scratch instead of buying it from the store.

What to do:

— make a batch of soap

— experiment with candle making

 

Update your House

There are always house updates to make, and winter is a great time to make repairs or to redo an entire room.  Please don’t think I’m advocating for spending your savings on a Pinterest-worthy update.  Instead, think about the inexpensive (or FREE!) changes you can make that make a huge difference.

What to do:

— paint a room

— rearrange the living room

— declutter a closet

 

Embrace your Hobbies

Hobbies are usually the first thing to put on the back burner when life becomes busy. I can’t tell you often I hear people say, “Oh I wish I did xx more.” Winter is the time! Embracing your hobbies is not selfish. In fact, it will make the harder months more enjoyable.

What to do:

—read (or listen to an audiobook)

— write (or journal)

— sketch in a blank notebook

 

Cook from Scratch

Ya gotta eat, so you might as well make something delicious. I always dream of cooking a new recipe weekly in the winter, but cooking might look different to you. 

What to do:

— jump on the bread-making bandwagon

— put up a few freezer meals

— experiment with a new recipe

 

REST

Rest. Rest. Rest.  ‘Nuff said.

What to do:

— enjoy the slowness you have in front of you

— listen to what your body needs

— reflect on the past year 

 

You probably have daily chores that will still need your attention, but life will probably be slower. Embrace it. Cherish it. Think of the winter as a gift…your reward for working so hard the other three seasons of the year. 

Take the time the recharge. Spring (and garden planning!) will be here soon enough!