由 home-healthhaven 
As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter during winter, it can be hard to stay upbeat and cheerful all day long. Thankfully, the right foods can do wonders for your mood, especially if you tailor your choices to the season. Here are five comforting foods and drinks that can help lift your spirits even as the days get colder and darker.
### Homemade Soup
A bowl of homemade soup is perfect for warming you up from the inside out. It’s hearty, filling, and can keep you cozy under your blanket without having to get up for a second helping. Instead of reaching for canned soup, try making your own from scratch. Use a slow cooker or crockpot, toss in lots of healthy veggies like carrots, potatoes, and onions, add some meat, broth, and seasonings, and let it simmer all day. By the time you’re home, you’ll have a delicious hot meal waiting for you, filling your house with a delightful aroma.
### Hot Cocoa
There’s something nostalgic about a steaming cup of hot cocoa that can instantly lift your mood. And if you’re an adult, you can even add a shot of Bailey’s or another liqueur for an added treat. Wrapping your hands around a warm cup of cocoa can make your heart feel cozier. Opt for dark chocolate hot cocoa for a heart-healthier option, and enjoy a cup after coming in from the cold, whether it’s post snow-shoveling or holiday light-hanging.
### Holiday Wine
Holiday wine makes for a perfect after-dinner drink to warm you up and help you relax. What makes holiday wine special are the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that are added to it. Similar to tea, this drink is served hot, so it warms you inside and out. A cup of holiday wine can be great for curling up by the fire with a good book or movie. Just remember to enjoy it responsibly!
### Everything Apple
From apple pies and strudels to cider and donuts, apples are a quintessential flavor of the fall and winter months. Incorporating apples into your meals can evoke a sense of seasonal joy and nostalgia, as these treats are often only available this time of year. Savor the memories of past holiday seasons and get excited for this one with a hot batch of apple crisp or a warm mug of apple cider.
### Everything Pumpkin
Pumpkin isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore; it’s a flavor that now extends into the Christmas season and beyond. Starting as early as September, pumpkin-flavored treats become available to help us get into the holiday spirit. Treat yourself to a pumpkin coffee or pumpkin bagel every now and then, and let these spicy flavors remind you of holiday cheer. There’s something about those spicy notes that just makes it hard not to smile.
By enjoying these seasonal foods and drinks, you can boost your mood and enjoy the winter months with a little more warmth and joy.