Here in Upstate New York we are still very much in snow mode during the month of February. Handmade Valentine’s have made a strong appearance in our home, as have hand cut hearts that adorn the children’s playroom. I delightfully love pulling into our drive while the world is covered in white, only to catch a glimpse of pink and red hearts on the second floor of the house. The artwork is reminiscent of passing by a schoolhouse where the classroom windows are decorated with construction paper for the season. Spring flowers, September apples, and January snowflakes are all contenders, but the hearts do it for me the most. A true symbol of a home filled with love and appreciation for the season. It’s as if we’re sharing the season quite literally with any neighbors who might pass by and look up. 

Our family has also grown into a newer tradition of placing quince branches on our kitchen island for the season. If cared for, they fill our home with shades of pink blooms, and their bright green leaves stay for weeks, if not more than a month. They are a luxury to have here, and their durability to please for so long makes them something that we all look forward to enjoying. 

Personally, the quince branches take on a secondary pleasure to me. They remind me of my winter visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, where the lobby is often full of their elegant blooms. This memory leaves me a bit nostalgic for that era of exploration and freedom in my life. Moreso, I am proud to bring them into my home and share them with my children…to educate them about making live arrangements last, about the not-so-common fruit tree itself, and to share with them my stories of art and adventure in the city.

February is a month to continue reflection, but is also one where indoor projects tend to get moving. I enjoy the deep spring clean, decluttering what detracts us as a family from focusing on what we value. A refresh of the kitchen cupboards, closets, all those tucked away corners that seems to collect thighs during the bustle of the holiday season, I try to clear all of them.

When we’re simply enjoying the season, this means making the big snowman out back, always unsure how many more big snows we’ll have to dedicate to this art form until the next winter season. We sip hot chocolate, after coming in from whatever winter activities we can manage with a toddler and baby in tow. Growing up, the heart of winter meant cross country skiing with my family on our property. My Dad would mark out ski tracks for us to follow, and it became an especially meaningful pastime as it was a tradition my parents began for us. As our little ones get older, we look forward to bringing them along to witness the magic that this sport offers.

In summary, February is a favorite month to take care of ourselves and our home, whatever that might mean. To regroup, to tend to annual chores that otherwise slip by the wayside: polishing copper, ironing linens, sorting through family photos. Here, we love that February is a dynamic month, one that evolves over the years as we grow as a family.