Winter in Rexburg is no joke. Snow arrives early, temperatures drop low, and the cold can linger for months. With a little preparation, though, your apartment can be a warm refuge.
First, seal the drafts. Check around windows and doors for gaps where cold air sneaks in. Inexpensive weatherstripping or a removable window insulation kit makes a noticeable difference. A rolled towel at the base of an exterior door works in a pinch.
Layer your home the way you layer your clothes. Rugs over hard flooring add warmth under your feet, and heavy curtains hold in heat at night. Keep them open on sunny days to let natural warmth in, then close them at dusk.
Know how your heating works and use it wisely. Many people leave their thermostat very low while away, then crank it up when they return, which can strain the system. A steady, moderate temperature is usually more efficient. Also keep furniture from blocking vents or baseboard heaters, since that traps warmth where you do not need it.
Protect your pipes. During extreme cold, let faucets drip slightly and keep cabinet doors under sinks open so warm air can circulate. If you plan to travel, tell your property manager and keep the heat on.
Do not forget your car. Keep an ice scraper, a small shovel, and a blanket in your vehicle. Give yourself extra time in the morning, since clearing snow and ice takes longer than you expect.
Finally, lean into the season. Stock up on hot cocoa, build a puzzle table, and invite friends over for game nights. Rexburg winters are long, but they are also a wonderful excuse to slow down and make your home a place you love being.
"Gratitude is a positive emotional response that we experience when we feel appreciation for or from others . But it’s also more than that . Gratitude trigger s the brain’s reward system , releasing hormones and neurotransmitters that have tangible physical and mental health benefits. Taking the time to focus on gratitude every day helps to improve our ability to manage stress , and it helps us develop a more positive perspective on life by restructuring neur al signaling pathways."
~American Brain Foundation
Why Should I Be Grateful?
Like everything else in life, there are opposing feelings about when and what we should be grateful for. There are things that can be disappointing, unfair, or just completely misaligned from what we thought it should have been. However, the human mind is capable of having a changing perspective. When we are grateful, our brain shifts focus onto the good things in our life. We feel proud of our accomplishments and grateful for what ourselves and others have done.
How Can I Practice Gratitude?
Sometimes, gratitude is a skill we must practice, some easy ways to do this are:
~ Journaling about your day and ending with 3 things you were grateful for. (Bonus if one of them is about yourself/something you accomplished that day)
~ Having a set time/place to share feelings of gratitude with a significant other, roommate, or friend. Hearing about someone else's day can make you even more grateful for that person.
~ Find a quite space by yourself and allow your thoughts to wander and practice gratitude.
~ At the end of each day write down the things you're grateful for on a sticky note, stick them to a wall or door you walk by each day.
Choose to be grateful this Harvest season. Enjoy your reward of the things you have sown. Find joy in the small things.
Best Wishes,
Eden Property Staff
A new year naturally invites a fresh start, and your apartment is one of the best places to begin. January is a great time to reset your space, reflect on what you want more of in the year ahead, and make small changes that improve comfort and functionality. Refreshing your home doesn’t require a major budget or dramatic updates—simple, thoughtful adjustments can make your apartment feel renewed and inviting.
Start with decluttering, which can have an immediate impact on how your space feels. Focus on one small area at a time, such as a kitchen drawer, closet shelf, or bathroom cabinet. Removing items you no longer use or need helps reduce visual clutter and makes everyday routines easier. When your space feels more organized, it becomes easier to relax and stay focused on your goals.
Once clutter is cleared, consider rearranging your furniture. Even small changes—like shifting a chair, repositioning a rug, or moving a lamp—can create better flow and make a room feel new again. Pay attention to natural light and try arranging furniture to maximize brightness and openness, especially during the shorter winter days.
Finally, add cozy winter touches to make your apartment feel warm and welcoming. Soft throw blankets, neutral or textured pillows, and warm lighting can transform a room without overwhelming the space. Candles, seasonal scents, or simple décor accents can also add comfort while keeping your style clean and understated.
Refreshing your apartment at the start of the year is about creating a space that supports your lifestyle and well-being. With a few budget-friendly updates, your home can feel lighter, calmer, and ready for everything 2026 has to offer.
Winter often brings slower mornings, shorter days, and more time spent indoors. While the season can feel challenging at times, it also offers an opportunity to focus on wellness in gentle, realistic ways. Starting the new year strong doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul—small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in how you feel throughout the winter months.
Mornings are a great place to begin. Simple movement, such as light stretching or a few minutes of walking around your apartment, can help wake up your body and improve circulation. Letting in natural light as soon as possible by opening blinds or curtains can also boost energy and support your internal rhythm. Pairing these habits with a warm beverage or a few moments of quiet can create a calm, positive start to the day.
Throughout the day, staying hydrated and taking short breaks from screens can help maintain both physical and mental well-being. Even in colder weather, hydration is important, and keeping a water bottle nearby can serve as a helpful reminder. Incorporating small pauses—such as stepping outside briefly or simply stretching—can help reduce tension and improve focus.
Evenings are an ideal time to wind down and prepare for restful sleep. Creating a calming nighttime routine can signal to your body that it’s time to relax. Dimming lights, limiting screen use, and choosing quiet activities like reading or journaling can help ease the transition into evening. Soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a tidy space can further support relaxation.
Winter wellness is about balance, not perfection. By adopting simple, sustainable habits that fit naturally into apartment living, you can create routines that support your health and well-being all season long. Small steps taken consistently can help make January—and the rest of winter—feel more grounded and manageable.
It’s the holiday season, and you know what that means: Mariah Carey is back on every playlist, in every store, and probably in your head too. Whether you’re singing along or rolling your eyes, her 1994 hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has become an undeniable staple of the season. But how did Mariah Carey go from pop diva to the unofficial queen of Christmas? And why does everyone have a love/hate relationship with her music during the holidays?
Released in 1994 as part of her album Merry Christmas, "All I Want for Christmas Is You" quickly captured the magic of the holiday season. With its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and Mariah’s signature vocal acrobatics, it struck a chord worldwide. It wasn’t the first holiday song ever, but it had something that old classics didn’t: a modern pop sensibility that made it feel timeless yet contemporary at the same time.
For fans, Mariah’s song is pure Christmas joy. The track evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and excitement. It’s upbeat, celebratory, and impossible not to dance to — perfect for decorating the tree, wrapping gifts, or having a holiday party. Mariah Carey’s voice itself has become a symbol of the season: powerful, festive, and iconic. For many, the song is the start of the holidays, signaling that it’s finally time to get cozy and celebrate.
On the other hand, the ubiquity of Mariah’s song can be exhausting. By the time mid-December rolls around, it’s on repeat everywhere — radio, stores, social media, TikTok, you name it. Some people feel it’s overplayed, turning what should be a joyful experience into a minor annoyance. And let’s be honest, the song is one of the ultimate earworms; it sneaks into your head whether you want it to or not.
Mariah Carey’s song isn’t just a hit; it’s a phenomenon. Its combination of festive energy, catchy melody, and widespread media presence has cemented it as a modern Christmas classic. Streaming platforms and holiday playlists keep it in circulation, while commercials, movies, and viral moments continue to reinforce its place in pop culture. Essentially, it has become part of the fabric of the season: you can’t have Christmas without hearing Mariah somewhere along the way.
The Verdict: Love, Hate, or Complicated?
The truth is, Mariah Carey’s holiday dominance is both celebrated and begrudged — sometimes by the same people. Love her or hate her, there’s no escaping the impact she’s had on the way we experience Christmas. Her music evokes emotion, sets the mood, and has defined the sound of the holidays for generations.
So, as you untangle the lights and sip your cocoa this year, embrace the truth: Mariah Carey is here to stay, and "All I Want for Christmas Is You" will probably be playing in the background, whether you’re ready or not.
Holiday traditions across the globe are rich with history, symbolism, and community participation. While celebrations vary, many begin weeks before December 25th, with unique customs, foods, and activities that reflect each culture's heritage. Here’s a deeper dive into some educational details about holiday traditions and their start times.
Germany – Advent, Christmas Markets & Saint Nicholas (Late November)
Germany’s holiday season begins with Advent in late November. Families use Advent calendars to mark the days until Christmas, often featuring chocolate or small gifts. Advent wreaths with four candles are lit weekly, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. Cities host Christkindlmarkt , where artisans sell handmade crafts and seasonal foods like Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Stollen (fruit bread). On December 6th, children celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, placing shoes by the door for treats from St. Nicholas.
Mexico – Las Posadas & Festive Community Events (December 16 – 24)
Mexico’s holiday season features Las Posadas, a nine-day tradition from December 16–24. Communities organize nightly processions, street decorations, music, and dance performances, creating a festive atmosphere for neighbors and families. Traditional foods such as tamales and ponche (fruit punch) are shared, and children enjoy breaking piñatas filled with sweets. The season culminates in Christmas Eve celebrations, focusing on family gatherings, meals, and cultural festivities.
Japan – Illuminations & KFC Christmas (Early December)
In Japan, Christmas is largely secular, focusing on lights, food, and gatherings. Major cities start illuminations in early December, where streets and parks are decorated with intricate light displays. Christmas Eve is a romantic holiday, often celebrated with dinners and exchanging small gifts. Interestingly, KFC fried chicken has become a national tradition for Christmas dinner, with pre-orders starting weeks in advance.
Philippines – Simbang Gabi & Parol (December 16 – 24)
The Philippines begins its holiday season with Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of pre-dawn Masses starting December 16th. This long-standing tradition is followed by communal meals with bibingka and puto bumbong. Homes and streets are decorated with parol, star-shaped lanterns representing the Star of Bethlehem. Communities also host festive performances and competitions, reinforcing social bonds.
Sweden – St. Lucia & Yule Preparations (December 13)
Sweden celebrates the holidays beginning with St. Lucia Day on December 13th, honoring the legend of a young girl bringing light during the winter darkness. Girls dress in white robes with candle wreaths and sing traditional songs. Families bake lussekatter (saffron buns) and pepparkakor (ginger cookies). Homes are decorated with candles and greenery, and neighborhoods often host small cultural events and craft fairs.
Australia – Summer Festivities & Carols by Candlelight (Early December)
In Australia, Christmas occurs during summer, so celebrations begin in early December with outdoor events. Carols by Candlelight concerts bring communities together in parks. Barbecues, beach outings, and festive picnics are common. Traditional foods include pavlova, seafood platters, and chilled beverages, blending local climate with global holiday influences.
United States – Thanksgiving to Christmas (Late November)
In the U.S., the holiday season kicks off after Thanksgiving in late November. Families decorate homes, light Christmas trees, and participate in parades and community events. Baking seasonal treats, watching holiday movies, and visiting Christmas markets are popular traditions. Many cities hold annual tree-lighting ceremonies, and neighborhoods engage in festive decorating competitions.
Holiday celebrations are more than just festivities—they are rooted in culture, history, and community engagement. From Advent calendars in Germany to festive street celebrations in Mexico, each tradition teaches values of family, generosity, and joy. Studying these customs offers a window into the ways people worldwide connect during the holiday season.
