Add humidity to the house

Purchase a hygrometer if, you do not have one. Keep track of the indoor humidity. With heat up and running. It usually drops down to 30% or lower during this time of year.

Thank you! I had no idea the flooring was affected so much but normal low humidity over winter heat!

I think you just didn't notice them before because the wood was darker then. They're much less noticeable with a darker stain.

My suggestion might be to just look at home imprivement differently. I value my time so much, so fir me I try not to think of tasks as tedious or not, but rather how much time spent to how long the completed task will last.

For every crack filled, that is one that will last for 30 years. I would rather fill cracks than hide them with rugs. A day spent filling cracked or years moving rugs?

A home is often s persons greatest asset, looking at its care differently might be a better way to look at the totality of the situation.