Ever since we were children we have been taught that there are four seasons: summer, spring, winter, and fall. Yet, in some places, especially New England, it seems as though winter lasts for most of the year. With something that lasts so long it’s only fair to split it up into different sections. With that in mind, here are the six phases of winter.
Phase One: Cold Fall
This is that time of year that is still technically fall, but that everyone says is winter. It's too cold to not to be winter! All of the leaves have fallen off the trees and scarves have been upgraded to hats and mittens. There may even be frost on the extra cold days. Either way, you’re happy to sip warm drinks by the fire and cuddle up with a book.
Phase Two: First Snow
As the days get shorter and the temperature continues to drop, this is the time during winter when snow finally starts to fall. While it doesn’t really stick around, and it might be another week before it snows again, it’s an exciting time for anyone. Even the trees are looking a little brighter now that they have a light dusting covering their branches.
Phase Three: Holidays
Between Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and any other holiday that you may celebrate, the season is sure to put a fun twist on the winter months. Decorations are hung, gifts are given, and people everywhere put aside their differences for a few days to help make the best of this time.
Phase Four: Vacation Season
Once the holidays are over, and the new year begins, vacation season starts! Between New Year's Eve and Valentine’s day everyone seems to be taking time off and swarming to different climates. Whether it’s a cruise, ski trip, or simply a flight to warmer weather, people everywhere are using up their vacation time to avoid the winter.
Phase Five: The Slump
You're sick of winter. At this point it’s been months of the cold and the sight of snow makes you exhausted. The piles of snow are taller than you are and you can’t remember what the sun looks like. Your nose is permanently red, your fingers are blue, and the groundhog just said there's going to be six more weeks of this torture.
Phase Six: Spring!
This may just be the first day above 40, but it’s glorious! You're throwing those thick winter coats to the back of the closet, the snow finally starts melting, and you can go outside without contracting pneumonia. No matter how many weeks are left, it finally feels like the warmer months are coming and it’s a beautiful sight.
Winter seems to last forever and every year there are those ups and downs of the coldest months. No matter what phase of winter you are on right now, eventually you will reach those warmer months. And, most likely, you’ll be happy when you do.
