❄️ Wrapping Up December: Winter Home Care, Cozy Recipes & Seasonal Fun Around Pierce County

As December winds down and the rhythm of the holidays begins to slow, many of us start to shift into “reset mode.” The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the perfect time to recharge, enjoy a little winter magic, and give your home some thoughtful care as we head into the coldest months of the year.

Here’s your guide to winter maintenance essentials, a fun recipe to try, and seasonal activities to enjoy across Pierce County and Washington State.

🏡 Winter Home Maintenance Tips for a Cozy, Healthy Home

The winter months in the Pacific Northwest bring moisture, chilly temperatures, and occasional storms — making preventative care especially important. Here are key tasks to wrap up December and start the season strong:

1. Check Weatherstripping & Draft Points

Walk through your home and feel for cool air around doors and windows. Replacing worn weatherstripping can drastically reduce heat loss and lower winter energy bills.

2. Clean Gutters & Downspouts (If Weather Allows)

After heavy rain and wind, gutters fill quickly with debris. Keeping them clear protects your roof and foundation — especially during freeze/thaw cycles.

3. Inspect Your Heating System

If you haven’t already, replace your furnace filter. If your home uses a heat pump, check for ice buildup and ensure it’s not blocked by snow or leaves.

4. Protect Outdoor Faucets & Pipes

Wrap exposed pipes and disconnect hoses to prevent freezing. If temperatures drop sharply, keep a small drip of water running at night to prevent pipe bursts.

5. Check Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter months mean more fireplace use, heaters running around the clock, and windows closed — making proper ventilation and safety systems essential.

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

Switch fans to rotate clockwise on low to gently push warm air down and improve heating efficiency.

7. Prep for Winter Storms

Stock up on essentials like batteries, bottled water, flashlights, and firewood. PNW storms can be unpredictable, and a little preparation goes a long way.

These small tasks create a safer, warmer, more comfortable home during the heart of winter.

🍲 Cozy Winter Recipe:

Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup (Comfort in a Bowl!)

This hearty, comforting soup is perfect for cold winter evenings — simple, nourishing, and easy to make in a single pot.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
  
  
• 1 onion, diced
  
  
• 3 carrots, sliced
  
  
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
  
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
  
• 1 cup uncooked wild rice
  
  
• 6 cups chicken broth
  
  
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  
  
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  
  
• 2 tbsp flour
  
  
• 1 tsp thyme
  
  
• Salt & pepper to taste
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in butter until soft.
   
   
2. Add garlic, wild rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir for one minute.
   
   
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   
   
4. Reduce heat and simmer 40–45 minutes, or until rice is tender.
   
   
5. Stir in chicken.
   
   
6. In a small bowl, whisk flour into milk until smooth.
   
   
7. Add mixture to the pot and simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
   
   
8. Serve warm with crusty bread — perfect on a cold PNW night. ❄️🍲
   
   

🌲 Winter Fun in Pierce County & Washington State

Even after the holidays, there’s so much to enjoy throughout the winter months. Here are some ideas for staying active and making the most of the season:

🎄 Continue the Christmas Light Magic

Many displays stay open through New Year’s, including:

• Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park — open through early January
  
  
• Tacoma Light Trail — glowing art, music, and illuminated installations downtown
  
  
• ZooLights at Point Defiance Zoo — cheerful lights, large sculptures, and festive walk-throughs
  
  

⛷️ Snow Day Getaways

Washington winters mean easy mountain escapes. Within 1–2 hours, you can enjoy:

• Crystal Mountain — skiing, snowboarding, gondola views
  
  
• Mount Rainier National Park — snowshoeing, sledding, quiet snowy hikes
  
  
• Snoqualmie Pass — tubing hills, Nordic skiing, family trips
  
  

🛍️ Post-Holiday Markets & Local Shopping

Support small businesses at winter pop-ups, farmers markets, and indoor craft fairs in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and Puyallup.

🎨 Indoor Activities for Cozy Days

Perfect for snowy or rainy afternoons:

• Tacoma Art Museum
  
  
• Museum of Glass
  
  
• Pierce County Libraries’ winter reading programs
  
  
• Local coffee shops with live music nights
  
  

🥾 Winter Trails & Nature Walks

Bundle up and explore:

• Chambers Bay
  
  
• Point Defiance trails
  
  
• Swan Creek Park
  
  
• Foothills Trail
  
  

The crisp air + mountain views make these winter walks especially refreshing.

❤️ Closing Out the Year With Gratitude

As the year comes to a close, Pierce County continues to shine through community events, local businesses, and the warmth of neighbors coming together. Whether you’re staying curled up at home, exploring snowy trails, or getting a jumpstart on 2026 home goals, I’m here to support you with clarity, connection, and care.

Wishing you a peaceful end to December and a warm, hopeful start to the new year. ❄️✨