The quiet of January
January has always felt like a strange month to me. Not necessarily bad or good just... January. Some days it feels like a fresh start, while others feel a bit flat, like the January Blues have set in. Maybe part of why I notice this feeling right now is because of some recent sad news. Everything just feels a little heavier than usual.
There's something nice about things slowing down after Christmas though, and after a busy 2025, it's nice to finally have a bit of calm. I'm getting used to the quieter evenings and having no reason to leave the house, and January is probably the easiest month to do that without feeling like you're missing out.
At the same time, everywhere feels like it's lost a bit of energy. The streets are quieter, bars are emptier and people don't really hang around outside. Given the cold weather and people trying to save money, it certainly feels like more of a practical month than a fun one. You go out, do the thing, and then go straight back home again.
We went to Leeds on Friday night for a gig, and decided to book a hotel, taking advantage of the discounted January rates. On the walk back, the only place that seemed alive was the bar hosting a massive retirement party. Instead of stopping anywhere, we decided to get some drinks and snacks from the local corner shop and watch The Traitors final in bed, which honestly felt very on brand for January.
My mum always says April feels more of a new year to her. Spring starts, the days are longer, things start to grow again and you actually want to go out and do things. To me, it makes more sense to have a new year then, rather than trying to reinvent your life in the coldest darkest time of the year - not that I do new years resolutions anyway as I never keep them! (Edit: I've just learned from James that before 1752, England's new year started on 25th March!)
Perhaps the start of the year isn't supposed to be exciting. Maybe the quiet of January is supposed to be a pause and a chance for reflection. Even if everything feels a bit grey right now, I should probably try to enjoy it for what it is. It's the calm before everything starts moving again, and honestly, that's probably exactly what I need right now.