No matter what the weather looks like where you are, here in Minnesota where Bethany House is located, we won’t be putting away our winter coats anytime soon. Maybe you live someplace warm (or, for our international readers, are having a summery start to the year). But if you’re getting a little tired of snow, here’s one way to make it more enjoyable: participate in the winter sport of reading.

The picture that gave me the idea for this post. Fun, right?

What’s that you say? Reading is not actually a winter sport? Well, it should be. And here are a few reasons why.

One

There are a few people rugged and courageous enough to do regular outdoor things during the winter. The rest of us will be inside. Reading. And not getting frostbite or runny noses that could possibly turn into pneumonia. (Safety first!)

Two

“Reading isn’t active enough to be a sport,” you say. To which I say, come on, curling is an official sport of the Winter Olympics. It’s not like you really have to be breaking a sweat here.

Three

Close your eyes and picture a scene that makes you think, “cozy.” Go ahead. Right now. There was someone reading a book in it, right? Maybe wrapped in a fuzzy blanket and drinking something warm by a fireplace. I feel like this is a universally recognized image of coziness and comfort, and what better time than winter to be cozy?

Four

20% of Americans participated in a winter sport at least once during the year. 62% of Americans read at least one novel during the year. So listing reading as a winter sport would bump that percentage significantly higher, and include a whole new demographic of people who live in warmer climates or who are not quite crazy—I mean coordinated—enough to ski, snowshoe, or ice skate. We don’t want anyone to feel left out of winter sports just because they don’t have snow, right?

Five

Recovering from the holiday season requires long bouts of uninterrupted solitude after all of that noise and family togetherness. Since staring blankly at a wall for hours on end is not generally socially acceptable, staring at markings on paper for hours at end is a good substitute and the perfect way to rebound from the chaotic holidays.

Six

Speaking of holidays, chances are you got books for Christmas, and what better way to say thank you than to read them? You don’t want people thinking you’re ungrateful. And if you waited until summer vacation to use their present, that would certainly be a waste. It’s all about etiquette, people.

Seven

If the book you’re reading is a good one, your heart should be pounding by the end, either from a swoon-worthy happy ending or a tense, suspenseful plot twist. Confuse that FitBit! If your elevated heart rate isn’t really from exercise, who cares, anyway? Especially if reading is now an official winter sport.

Eight

And, finally, this library’s sign is a reason all on its own. Stunning logic.

If I’ve convinced you and you’re looking for something to read, be sure to check out our December and January new releases!

And, as promised, here’s the winner of our Gilded Age ball giveaway:

Jordann, please send me, Amy, an email at agreen@bethanyhouse.com with your mailing address so I can send Behind the Scenes your way once it releases!

What’s your favorite cozy reading spot?