Yes ;-)

My apologies. I didn't mean to be that brief.
Time and weather permitting, I start sowing seed of perennials, vines, shrubs sometimes trees in late December/early January.
I use flats filled with ProMix, pieces of mini blinds to mark name and date. To keep the seed from being washed out by heavy rain, I either keep the flats in frames covered with (recycled) window screens or covered with another flat that has a lattice like bottom.
Any container that allows drainage can be use and they can be placed under evergreens for protection.

I have done a little winter sowing - only perennials. It works well with early spring bloomers like columbine. It is also an easy way to sow seeds that need periods of cold. Terramadre's instructions sound good. I usually start the seeds outdoors between Christmas and New Year's Day.