First, a quick introduction: As a new member of the HOTS team (a big and sincere thank you to my colleagues for the warm welcome, by the way!), I must confess that my go-to conversation starter is typically rooted in the capricious. And amid these frigid conditions that sheathe our windows with curtains of frost, there’s no greater example than the weather.

So, here’s my two cents: I’m a fan of long summer days marked by cerulean, cloudless skies and bright rays of sun that infiltrate my windows. I especially long for it at a time when I’m often inconvenienced by slushy sidewalks, mountains of snow, and/or freezing evenings that darken before 5 p.m.

But I know that whenever summer rolls around and the heat is dialed up to levels that would dethrone Venus as the hottest planet in our solar system — figuratively, of course — I would almost certainly trade anything to get back the wet, snowy, and chilly evenings we have now.

In a nutshell, I catch myself fussing about the cons of each season, grousing about how I wish we’re in x season rather than y. But I promise that this isn’t a pessimistic first post, because what I find helps tame the unpleasant are works that distract us from the outside world or coincide well with it, as if to sprinkle cozy over calamity.

Perhaps some may find it bold to start out with a mystery novel to expand upon coziness, although this certainly isn’t the whodunit that I thought it’d be going in. Happiness Falls by Angie Kim is more, seamlessly weaving in conversations about the philosophy of joy, language, and humanness that emerge following the disappearance of Mia’s father. There certainly aren’t any shortages of drama as the plot unravels — but I’ll leave it at that; any more would give you too much information, and I believe this is a book you should go in with as little prior background knowledge as possible. Despite some rifts and discord, the moments of familial unity and mutual support are not only wholesome, but a reminder that the phrase, “We’ll get through this together,” certainly rings true.

On a side note, Happiness Falls was December’s chosen book for VPL’s Mystery Book Club, which runs monthly at Mackenzie Health Vaughan Library and operates both virtually and in-person. If you’re looking to wring some of the Seasonal Fusser energy out of yourself by connecting with other mystery connoisseurs, this book club is the way to go!

Since we’re on the topic of community and togetherness, It Takes Two is the perfect segue into the world of collaborative gaming. This strictly two-player co-op game takes you and a pal on a journey through household obstacles, where two parents, who appear to be edging closer towards a nasty divorce, have somehow been transformed into dolls following a sour argument that their daughter espied through her bedroom window. While many creative segments throughout the game are fuelled by visually comfy scenes, there’s deliberately quite a bit of the opposite too, striking a gripping balance that’ll have you and your partner on edge. This cross-gen title is available in our catalogue for Switch, PS4, and Xbox X|S, so grab a companion and tumble through the world of obstacles and puzzles together!

 Christmas music in February essentially mirrors the infamous, almost egregious debate on when festive decorations should be boxed away to gather dust until the next holiday season. (I find the holiday season to be cozy, so why take decorations down so soon? If there’s snow, let it show!) The classic tracks of Nat King Cole’s The Christmas Song is a beautifully timeless and nostalgic collection that melts away everyday stressors and dissipates the winter blues as if to swaddle you in a comforting blanket. As a record collector, I encourage the use of physical media when possible; however, if you prefer the ease of our digitalized world, then know that this album is also available on Hoopla, which comes free with your VPL membership.

Whether it’s iced tea, tea lattes, or cocktails, pair those tunes up with a beverage of your choice for some true relaxation. (Any Earl Grey fanatics here?) There are also some recipes that the author says goes well with tea, although I’m quite incompetent in the kitchen and won’t be able to confirm this claim; I use cookbooks to learn about what foods and beverages exist so that I can go seek it out whenever I pass by a bakery or café, especially in this weather to warm up. But for all you chefs out there, I’d be curious to hear how your drinks and cakes turn out!

Sometimes comfort comes from an understanding of oneself, a method of recognizing misleading perceptions that hypnotize us away from the greater picture. Hone your introspective nature with How to See, a pocketbook that’s simple to digest — but don’t disregard how a few words can carry so much insight. I found myself rereading multiple pages, burrowing into the words to envelop myself into its wisdom. There are also quick meditation exercises at the end, which can help you inhale tranquility and exhale the stressors of life.

What makes everything better? Chocolate, of course! Whether it’s eating squares of chocolate or indulging in a mouth-wateringly warm cup of hot choccy, this book is your ideal hub for learning about the delicious delicacy known across the world, as the book documents. (But please don’t stain the pages with chocolate or drool!) There are also entries that contain chocolate recommendations throughout Canada, in case you crave the idea of a true national chocolate tour. Be warned: We aren’t responsible for your sugar rush!

As the seasons continue to cycle, remember that you can get away from the snow and into our shelves of euphoria. If you prefer not to or can’t trek through this weather, another friendly reminder that our eBooks and other digital resources can hopefully help you overcome the Seasonal Fusser melancholy from the comfort of home or elsewhere. Before I wave goodbye to you for now, remember that everybody’s cozy is different, so take some time to dig through our catalogue and find the right gems that’ll brighten up your day!