Seasonal Hobbies: Why I Think I'm a Pro Baker Every Winter (But Probably Not)

There’s something about the change in seasons that sparks the urge to dive into hobbies. Maybe it’s the crisp air that drives you indoors, or maybe it's the undeniable pull of Pinterest with its endless array of “winter activities.” Whatever the reason, there’s one thing I’m sure of: come winter, I suddenly believe I’m a professional baker. I go from zero to pastry chef in the blink of an eye, and if you’ve seen my kitchen during the holidays, you’d probably think I was auditioning for a spot on The Great British Bake Off (spoiler: I’m not).

But why does this happen every year? Why do we suddenly become so passionate about hobbies that, come spring, we’ve completely forgotten about? Is it a primal instinct to fill our time in the colder months? Is it the lure of the perfect Pinterest bread recipe that convinces me I can make sourdough from scratch (I really can’t)? Or is it simply seasonal boredom kicking in? Whatever the reason, I’m not alone in this hobby-hopping phenomenon—and I’m definitely not the only one who turns into a “baker” come winter.

The Baking Bug Bites (Hard)

It all starts innocently enough. I pull up a recipe for chocolate chip cookies on a cold winter afternoon, and by the end of the week, I’ve bought every baking tool imaginable. There’s something about the season that makes me believe I was born to knead dough. Before I know it, I’m in the kitchen, flour everywhere, experimenting with fancy pastries that no one really asked for (but I just had to try).

One winter, I was convinced that sourdough was going to be my thing. After watching hours of YouTube tutorials and reading every sourdough blog under the sun, I decided I was going to master the art of this tangy bread. The result? A lumpy, undercooked disaster that could’ve doubled as a doorstop. But for a brief moment, I was sure that with just a little more time, I’d be making perfect loaves that would rival any bakery. Spoiler: by spring, the sourdough starter had been abandoned in the back of my fridge, neglected and forgotten.

Spring, Summer, and the Return to Reality

Then, as the days get warmer, the baking gear starts to gather dust. The oven becomes a relic of winter past, and the sourdough starter is no longer in my thoughts. Suddenly, it's all about fresh air, gardening, or planning my summer barbecue. Maybe I’ll take up a new hobby like photography or outdoor sports, but the enthusiasm quickly fades. It’s like I’m living in a seasonal cycle of over-ambitious hobbies that never really last.

By the time summer rolls around, I’ve traded in my apron for a pair of gardening gloves—or maybe a picnic blanket. The kitchen seems far less appealing when there’s sunshine outside. But then next winter? Oh, I’m back to baking like a pro again. It’s like clockwork.

The Cycle of Seasonal Enthusiasm

It’s almost like clockwork: as the seasons change, so do my hobbies. Winter = baking. Spring = gardening. Summer = BBQs and outdoor fun. Fall = something pumpkin-flavored and probably homemade. There’s a pattern, and while it’s fleeting, it brings a sense of excitement to the year. It’s not that I’m a failure at these hobbies (well, okay, maybe the sourdough was a bit of a failure)—but it’s clear that the passion fades as quickly as the snow melts.

And maybe that’s the point. These seasonal hobbies don’t have to be about mastering them; it’s about the joy of trying something new, even if it’s just for a season. I might not be a pro baker, but I did manage to make some seriously impressive cookies that one winter. And that’s worth celebrating, right?

The Real Reason Behind It All

So, why do we do this? Why do we go from zero to obsessed in just a few short months? Maybe it’s because the seasons give us permission to slow down and try something that feels comforting. Or maybe it’s just a way to break up the monotony. Either way, I think we can all agree that seasonal hobbies—however short-lived—are a fun little distraction from the usual grind.

Who knows? Maybe next winter, I’ll attempt a croissant recipe. Or maybe I’ll just stick to cookies. Either way, I’m sure I’ll approach it with the same overconfidence and determination that make me believe, for a few short months, that I’m an expert in whatever seasonal hobby I’m into at the moment.

Your Turn: What’s Your Seasonal Hobby?

Do you dive headfirst into seasonal hobbies too? Maybe you’re a summer grill master or a fall knitter. Whatever it is, I want to hear from you! What’s your go-to winter hobby that keeps you entertained until the weather warms up? Share your stories of seasonal hobbyism—I’m sure I’m not the only one who spends the winter convinced I’m a pro baker!

TheBrookieCollective- Written with help from AI