Avoiding the Winter Doldrums, Austen Style

Those that know me can confirm winter is not my favorite season. While it makes for an excellent time to cozy up with a book or sit and write, I’m hard pressed to agree any day that freezes the water in your eyes before you can blink is better spent outside than in. However, I, too, can attest that we had many an enjoyable day building snow forts, having snowball fights, and jumping from trees into snowdrifts while I was growing up. As I looked back on these fond memories, I’d wondered what outdoor amusements were had during the Regency. My post today it Always Austen updated link for post shares how they might fill a winter’s day or evening, and proved to me that while much has changed, some joys are timeless. While you’re there, be sure to catch the posts from Cherith Boardman, Amanda Kai, and the entertaining and engaging Regina Jeffers!

I readily own that I do not enjoy endless months with feet of snow on the ground and freezing temperatures. More than once, I have echoed Jane Austen’s sentiments for winter being disagreeable, as noted in her letter to her sister dated June30-July 1. When they are to be endured, I cannot imagine a better winter day than coffee in a cozy chair next to a fire, football (American style), and Guinness stew. However, as I read novel after novella of Austen fan fiction, I wondered what might chase away the winter blues when so many summer days are spent waiting for something to happen. I knew of sleighs and ice skating, but I could name nothing other than those. A gentle woman was frowned upon for learning how to bake in the kitchens, a delight long held in our family and shared with each successive generation. So, how did they fill these chillier, if shorter, days of the year? I learned they had many similar versions of entertainment that I enjoyed growing up.

Sleds were used for transporting people and items in the wintery climates from times long before the Regency. And the pleasure of riding in the English countryside could not be mistaken, no matter how chilly the weather. But what about sledding downhill? I found that during the Regency era, it was called coasting. Of course, they did not have the little metal saucers of today. But they did have sledges and sleds that could be taken out for hours of winter pleasure. And, of course, skating gained popularity in London and on frozen ponds on one’s country estate. Imagine ice skating on the Thames? Novel and exciting for both the ones performing and those watching!

There were lectures in prominent cities, such as London and Bath, if one was willing to brave the elements. And the theatre was an excellent place to show off some of the stunning winter fashions purchased for the season. Of course, gentlemen indulged in games of chance at their clubs on many a blustery night.

On days considered fine, the ladies might make their way to a circulating library if the men in their family permitted them. But genteel ladies, in particular, could not be traipsing out of doors all the days of winter. There were, of course, gatherings of neighbors to assuage some of the want for varied conversation. The older crowd in such company may enjoy parlor games, such as Spillkins, an early version of Jack Straw or American pick-up sticks, Blind Mans Bluff, Riddles, Rebuses, and Charades. Perhaps there would be dancing to help while away the early hours of the evening. Most often, they had to settle for quieter pursuits. Though the stillroom would be cold for any work performed within, the work had to be done. And there were also those same pleasures they had at their disposal every season: singing, particularly during the holidays, practicing musical pieces on the available instruments, reading, and drawing, to name a few. Yes, times have changed, but many still favor some of these same pastimes today.

Sources for Avoiding the Winter Doldrums, Austen Style:

Knowles, Rachel “The Upper Assembly Rooms, Bath” Regency History March 2, 2012, Regency History: The Upper Assembly Rooms, Bath

Walton, Geri “How Regency People Passed Their Time” Unique histories from the 18th and 19th centuries August 17, 2015, How Regency People Passed Their Time – Geri Walton

Vic “Snow Sports and Winter Transportation in the Regency Era” Jane Austen’s World December 27, 2010, Snow Sports and Winter Transportation in the Regency Era | Jane Austen’s World (janeaustensworld.com)

Vic “Keeping Warm in the Regency Era, Part One” Jane Austen’s World January 21, 2009, Keeping Warm in the Regency Era, Part One | Jane Austen’s World (janeaustensworld.com)