3 Simple Ways to Embrace a Cozy ‘Little Women’ Winter at Home

We’ve had Farm Girl Summer, cottagecore, and slow girl autumn, but now it’s time to trade straw hats for shawls—Little Women Winter has arrived. Imagine curling up like Jo March with a well-worn novel by the fire, sipping cocoa as the March sisters’ holiday rituals come to life around you. This aesthetic is a nod to Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel and its nostalgic depictions of home and comfort.

While summer was all about “coastal grandmother” ease and cottagecore picnics, winter is leaning into something even softer and more sentimental. Little Women Winter invites us to embrace the kind of coziness that comes from time spent at home, the aroma of something baking in the oven, and the satisfaction of handcrafted touches.

What Is a Little Women Winter?

The aesthetic draws its inspiration from, you guessed it, Alcott’s Little Women and its timeless depictions of domestic life, with bread baking, reading by lamplight, and crafting simple holiday decorations by hand. The March sisters didn’t have matching garlands or designer ornaments; they had family gatherings, hand-sewn gifts, and a deep appreciation for the small moments that make winter feel special.

The Little Women Winter trend began gaining traction after a TikTok showing cozy cottage Christmas scenes went viral. In the video, the creator declares, “Hot girl summer is long gone... it’s time for Little Women winter,” while reminiscing about homemade paper chains and the quiet magic of the holiday season.

A Little Women Winter captures that exact spirit. Think cozy layers, candlelight flickering against vintage glass, and well-worn books stacked beside the sofa. It’s a season to celebrate homemade joys, nostalgia, and comfort over commercialism.

1. Practice Baking, Cooking, and Homemade Comfort

In Little Women, so much of life happens around the kitchen table, and this aesthetic is no different. Baking and cooking become acts of love: loaves of crusty bread cooling by the window, stews simmering on the stove, and pies made from scratch filling the house with warmth.

Recipes passed down through generations or found in weathered cookbooks are key here. Set the scene with a linen apron, wooden spoons, and a mixing bowl that’s seen better days. The joy is in the process as much as the result.

2. Incorporate Vintage Finds and Nostalgic Touches

Instead of bright overhead bulbs, opt for candles, oil lamps, or soft string lights. Beeswax candles add a handmade touch and a subtle honeyed scent.

Decor leans heavily into the thrifted and heirloom vintage glassware, mismatched china, old books, and hand-me-down quilts. This is not the occasion for excessive red and green decor. Instead, look for muted tones: soft whites, sage greens, browns, and creams.

Dried orange slice garlands, one of last year’s biggest DIY trends, are making their comeback in this aesthetic. String them up alongside plain pine garland or bits of dried herbs for an understated, old-fashioned touch. Handmade colorful paper chains, crocheted ornaments, red ribbon accents, and knitted stockings also fit perfectly into the theme.

3. Ensure Cozy Evenings and Firelight

If Little Women Winter had a soundtrack, it would be the crackle of a fireplace and the turning of pages. Reading is central to the aesthetic. Curling up under a blanket with a classic novel or journal in hand. A stack of well-loved books, a pot of tea, and a soft wool throw make even the chilliest nights feel like something out of a storybook.

And yes, a fireplace, whether real or a video on your laptop, anchors the mood. If you don’t have one, candles, a kerosene lamp, or even a simple bundle of fairy lights in a hearth-shaped nook can mimic the effect.