The Winter Archive, part 1

In the winter she curls up around a good book and dreams away the cold. (Ben Aaronovitch)

Welcome to the second installment of The Seasonal Archive! December has arrived, and the chill is setting in, I couldn’t be more excited to kick off The Winter Archive! If you’re new here, these archives are all about seasonal recommendations. I curate a mix of books, movies, art, fragrances, and music that capture the essence of the season. Since it’s December, you can expect a touch of festive cheer, but don’t worry! I’ve also included plenty of recommendations for those cozy, non-holiday winter vibes. Hopefully, you’re reading this wrapped in a warm blanket. Enjoy!

— Ella

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listening — december songs

I’m back with another one of my playlists. I know I always say, ‘this one’s my favorite,’ but this time I really mean it. It’s so dreamy, wintery, and snowy, and it makes me feel so warm inside. Perfect to listen to while decorating your Christmas tree.

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wearing — december fragrance

Scarlet Poppy by Jo Malone

The wild steppes of southwest Asia covered in the extravagant blooms of the great scarlet poppy. Their opulence enhanced with velvety iris and the sweet decadence of tonka bean. Ravishing and moreish.

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reading — december books

The Wood at Midwinter written by Susanna Clarke

Nineteen-year-old Merowdis Scot is an unusual girl. She can talk to animals and trees-and she is only ever happy when she is walking in the woods. One snowy afternoon, out with her dogs and Apple the pig, Merowdis encounters a blackbird and a fox. As darkness falls, a strange figure enters in their midst-and the path of her life is changed forever. Featuring gorgeous illustrations truly worthy of the magic of this story and an afterword by Susanna Clarke explaining how she came to write it, this is a mesmerizing, must-have addition to any fantasy reader's bookshelf.

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The Ice Palace written by Tarjei Vesaas

Commonly seen as the legendary Norwegian writer's masterpiece, this story tells the tale of Siss and Unn, two friends who have only spent one evening in each other's company. But so profound is this evening between them that when Unn inexplicably disappears, Siss's world is shattered. The Ice Palace is written in prose of a lyrical economy that ranks among the most memorable achievements of modern literature.

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