Before Sunrise
Come January, I am excited to stay indoors. This is the time for digging into the stack of books on my nightstand, pursuing my hobbies of painting and playing the piano, long phone calls catching up with old friends and tackling a few chores that I never get to when the weather is good.
Mornings are particularly special to me during the winter. This started two years ago, when I spent the holidays in Sweden, where the sun doesn’t rise until 8:45 a.m. and calls it quits for the day before 3 p.m.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
Come January, I am excited to stay indoors. This is the time for digging into the stack of books on my nightstand, pursuing my hobbies of painting and playing the piano, long phone calls catching up with old friends and tackling a few chores that I never get to when the weather is good.
Mornings are particularly special to me during the winter. This started two years ago, when I spent the holidays in Sweden, where the sun doesn’t rise until 8:45 a.m. and calls it quits for the day before 3 p.m.
Instead of compensating for this lack of sun with bright lights indoors, I noticed that the lighting in restaurants and cafes was warm and dim, with lots of small lamps and votive candles. I could see something similar when I peered into apartment windows, too. It was as if the Swedes leaned into the darkness and embraced it.
There was something very appealing about this, so when I returned home, I gave it a shot. I put a dimmer switch on my lamps and in the morning, I only turned them up to a low glow. While the coffee was brewing, I lit candles. I streamed Chopin and other soft, soothing music. When the coffee was ready, I enjoyed it in the cozy flickering light, savoring the stillness of the predawn hour.
I quickly fell in love with this ritual. It felt like I was easing into the day instead of taking a cold plunge. This time of year is short-lived; on Jan. 1 in Milwaukee, the sun rises at 7:23; by the end of February, the sun will rise around 6:30. That means getting up at 5:30 to enjoy predawn, and that’s too early for me. But for the next six weeks, I’ll make the most of the dark days of winter.
Of course, you can’t sit inside all season long, waiting for the thaw. That’s where our feature, “Degrees of Difficulty,” comes in. We’ve got lots of ideas for ways to have fun outdoors while getting some exercise.
And this issue also contains our annual Weddings guide. You’ll find expert advice, listings for local vendors and venues, and happy stories of real-life weddings. So settle in and cozy up with this issue.It’s the right time of year for a good read.
— Carole Nicksin, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
carole@milwaukeemag.com | @CaroleNicksin
In This Issue:
Features
- Degrees of Difficulty: Many winter outdoor activities are easier than you think. And then there’s, like, iceboating. Whatever your flavor, this guide has something for everyone.
- Glass Houses: Another new plan to save the Mitchell Park Domes is moving forward, and it might be the last chance for the deteriorating conservatory.
- Weddings 2025: Our annual guide for local couples
- Tying the Knot with a Twist: These three local weddings made their ceremonies special with unique themes: Western disco, celestial camping and a celebration of beautiful Devil’s Lake.
Your 414
- Hockey: Slap shots, cowbells and concerts make Admirals games a sight to behold.
- People Places Things: Painter Meg Lionel Murphy finds empowerment in fantastical feminine giants. Plus, meet the “Hip Hop Architect,” a masterful clockmaker and more.
- Perspective: Taking one last lap around the Streets of Old Milwaukee.
- Close Up: The prince of online Bucks and Packers fans has jokes, stats and a huge social media following.
The Dish
- Dig In: This is the bowl of chili you want to be eating this season.
- Tidbits: Katsu and sandos at Cute Robot, nonalcoholic beers for Dry January, and more.
- Pizza: If we could create the perfect pie from Milwaukee’s Flourchild, it would look like this.
- Review: Margaux Brasserie offers a modern, decidedly unstuffy take on French cuisine.
- Looking Back: To a time when Milwaukee was beloved for soft drinks like 50/50.
Insider
- Transportation: How freight trains figure into more Amtrak service in MKE.
- Media: Mark Belling’s biggest scoop
- Schools: Inside a district’s efforts to curb phone use in classrooms
- Surf’s Up: A greener board finally dips into Lake Michigan.
Explore
- Watch: Bald eagle aficionados flock to Prairie du Sac to witness the raptors’ annual gathering.
- Travel: Five full-service spas for immersive, head-to-toe pampering.
- Close Up: Meet “Grandpa Terry,” known across the globe for snoozing with adoptable cats.
