This way to spring >>>
The final stretch! Weeks 11-15 of "15 Weeks of Friluftsliv," '25-'26. Check out these ideas to get outside and embrace the season.
Why did the gnome cross the path? (Weeks 11-15)
A: To get to the flower side!
We are almost there, gnomies. We’ve made it to the final stretch of “15 Weeks of Friluftsliv!” Weeks 11 through 15. This the third and final newsletter for our winter season and this issue has ideas to keep you on the friluftsliv path through whatever wild weather comes our way. Spring and flowers are on the horizon, but don’t let that prevent you from seeing the wonders and benefits of nature in this moment, too.
These remaining weeks are that time of winter when transformation takes hold and you get to emerge from your wintering state as sunlight spreads and plants and creatures begin to stir again. It’s cause for reflection and celebration and reverence, and we’ve got activities and recipes to help you embrace it all.
Thank you for joining us for these “15 Weeks of Friluftsliv” that take us from December through Spring Equinox on March 20th this year. Through the Scandinavian ethos of friluftsliv (“free air life”), we’ve embraced nature and created warmth and light to get us all through the coldest and darkest days. We can’t wait to hear from you about your most memorable winter moments and your journey with friluftsliv.
Mark your calendars
Upcoming events to attend or inspire your friluftsliving:
2/24/26 - Tap that Tree! Reeves-Reed Arboretum is offering a couple maple sugaring events as February heralds the start of maple sugaring season. Later in March, check out their Maple Sugaring Fest. There are many wonderful maple sugaring programs in the NJ/NY area that run from February to mid-March. Another favorite is Westmoreland Sanctuary’s Adopt a Sugar Maple.
2/28/26 - Winter Tree ID and Sketching at Raritan Headwaters Association. This was a fascinating program to attend last year, now with a sketching element.
3/3/26 - Full “Worm Moon.” Take a moonlit walk, hike, or just spend a moment outside under March’s full moon. Check out our winter kick-off issue for a full moon hike activity guide or search your local nature organizations to see who is hosting a group walk.
3/5/26 - The annual favorite Woodcock Watch at Raritan Headwaters Association. A favorite first sign of spring, the amusing and fascinating Woodcock will delight you with its call and swirling flight dance. Birdwatching in general is a wonderful activity for weeks 11-15 to observe the return of various birds, and listen to their growing chatter in the mornings as spring approaches.
3/8/26 - Daylight Savings for those who “celebrate.” Spring forward with those clocks and let the sunlight in!
3/20/26 - Spring Equinox - Create your own celebration or join us on 3/21!
Celebrate the end-of-winter and welcome spring with us at the Frozen Gnome Trail Frolic on 3/21/26 at Raritan Headwaters Association’s Fairview Farm. You’ve heard of a fun-run, but this is a fun frolic (gnome matter what weather March may bring!). Walk, skip, dance, run, however you want to move along the trail. Gnome hats included and dogs on leash welcome, too! Find fun stops along the way.
Activity Inspiration for Weeks 11-15 of “15 Weeks of Friluftsliv”
Whatever weather comes our way in these remaining weeks of winter, these activities will help you feel present in the moment, create colorful creations to brighten a dreary day, and show the love for nature as creatures stir and return with the sun.
Rosemaling Rocks: Rosemaling is a Norwegian art and style of painting. In this activity of painting rocks, you’ll get the joy and flow of rosemaling along with the chance to bring color to a dreary day by leaving your painted rock outside for someone else to find.
Make tracking spring a game! We’re bring back SPRING-O. When the card is full, spring is on its way!
For the love of birds. Keep the love from Valentine’s and the Great Backyard Bird Count going by creating these nut-free bird feeders.
“To keep a warm heart in winter is the real victory.” Whether it’s this quote from Marty Rubin or another favorite, reflect on your 15 Weeks of Friluftsliv and how you’ll spring forward.
Create a smorgasbord! Schedule a celebration of your own to mark the end of your “15 Weeks of Friluftsliv.” Choose recipes from previous newsletter issues, serve glogg, and give a hearty “Skål!” and toast of thanks to the season.
Enjoy these activity guides and follow us on Friluftsliving Family Instagram to share even more ideas and show us your adventures! (#15weeksoffriluftsliv)
2. Fuel your friluftsliv — Recipes to warm your winter
As the season turns, Tacy is sharing this family recipe from her grandmother. You can use seasonal rhubarb or berries to create a treat to cut up and share at your end-of-season gathering or on early spring hikes.
Friluftsliv-inspiring books to cozy up with
Here are 3 books to inspire your weeks 11-15 of “15 Weeks of Friluftsliv.”
Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough by Kortney Yasenka. Learn about the Swedish principle of “lagom” —balance, simplicity, and just the right amount. Great for mindfulness.
Sato the Rabbit by Yuki Ainoya. The quiet magic of everyday life and a celebration of imagination —perfect for playful gnomes like us who are inspired by fantastical nature.
Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy by Jostein Gaarder, translated by Paulette Moller. Whimsical storytelling from the perspective of a Norwegian girl, with a history of philosophy at its core that feels helpful as we make sense of our own times.
Friluftsliving Friends
This issue’s featured Frilufstliving Friend is YOU. Thank you for joining us this winter. We can’t wait to hear about how you finish out these remaining weeks of winter and welcome spring. We’d love to hear your ideas and feedback for future adventures together. Please keep in touch via the comments here, or on Instagram via gnomemattertheweather or friluftslivingfamily We’re so grateful for this community.
Here’s to getting outside gnome matter the weather.
Thank you for another wonderful winter of Friluftsliv! Really enjoyed celebrating the season with you again. I love the spring-o card, I gotta go fill it out now!