In the midst of the approaching holiday season, we are buried in our social media posts. We are engulfed in a mist of neutral-toned knits and the aroma of steaming hot beverages. A touch of genuine seasonal laziness is concealed by our socks around the ankles. The cozy embrace of our beanies is about to engulf our whole heads. A fresh book is at our fingertips, and a flame is flickering. “Cozy Season” is coming fast, I understand the need for comfort and warmth, but I’m worried that “Cozy Season” has become an obsession in society, a way for people to escape that keeps us from dealing with more important problems. It could become a cozy lie that keeps us from facing the truth about a world in trouble.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting comfort. But when “cozy” becomes the main story in culture, it makes people wonder. Are we adopting “Cozy Season” to avoid dealing with the problems and difficulties of our time? Are we hiding in a cocoon of comfort while the world around us is on fire?
The idealized image of “Cozy Season” also often leaves out people who don’t have the means to make their homes cozy. For people who are poor, homeless, or don’t have enough food, the image of “cozying up” with a blanket and a mug of cocoa might seem tone-deaf. I’m not saying that we should give up all of our comforts and live a life of constant suffering. But I do think we should be aware of the problems that “Cozy Season” could cause. We need to find a balance between wanting to be comfortable and being socially responsible and willing to deal with the challenges in the world.
Instead of hiding in a bubble of comfort, let’s utilize this time of year to think about what we believe in, get to know our neighbors, and do something to make the world a better place. Let’s use our privilege to help people who need it and push for legislation that promotes fairness and justice. Only then can we truly warm ourselves by warming the world around us.
