Tis the season for resolutions, so it seems only natural to resolve to enjoy tea in the New Year. That means doing more than just grab a cuppa and go in the morning. It means resolving to take some time apart from your busy schedule to do something special tea-wise.

Try a New Tea

Rather than automatically reaching for “the usual” in the morning, go for a tea you might not think of to start your day. Rather than a breakfast blend, you could opt for an oolong. Or if you’re the type who likes a nice, frothy cuppa matcha when greeting Old Sol, maybe trying some Keemun or Kenyan or Ceylon black tea. Whichever option you choose (and there are many more from which to choose), it will make your new year a true tea adventure.

Set Aside a Tea Time

The British and other countries where tea drinking is a much bigger deal than in the U.S. tend to have “tea times” — a special time of the day for pausing in one’s endeavors to “partake of a special brew and possibly a treat or two”! (Yes, it rhymes — nothing like a bit of tea time poetry.) You don’t have to bring your whole world to a halt, but you can “fill in a gap” such as having tea while the laundry is in the dryer or sipping that Sencha while your car’s tires are getting rotated (just set the appointment with the repair shop for when you would normally be having tea).

Learn Something New About Tea

As one who considers knowledge the gateway to enjoyment, I encourage you to learn more about this wonderful beverage. From terminology to ceremonies to history to cultural approaches, there is a wealth of information out there that will awaken you to more than the flavor and aroma of that liquid in your cup. Books about tea abound and range from introductory with lots of gorgeous photos to the highly-researched and complex ones. No need to dive in head first. You can start out simple and work your way through it all, trying new teas along the way.

Share Tea with Someone

Whether it’s a friend, relative, neighbor, or co-worker, let them in on the joys of tea. In fact, you will get more from tea by sharing your knowledge and a cuppa with him or her. So many folks just need that starting point, but not all will be receptive to that first step. In fact, a bit of gentle persistence (“Mmmm… this new tea I bought the other day is a real treat!”) could arouse their curiosity naturally, and they will come to you for more information or to try some.

Wishing you lots of tea joy in the coming year!

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