It is nearly the end of November. We’ve just celebrated Thanksgiving, and every single store in America that was not already playing Christmas music is definitely going to start playing it now. The holiday seasons is upon us, and while many people, at least in my hometown it seems, regard the coming months of cold with shivers and disdain, I could not be more excited to celebrate winter. So here are just a few reasons why I am looking forward to several months of darkness.
1. Scarves
I LOVE scarves. My roommate can attest to the fact that half of my closet space is taken up by a single hanger loaded down by scarves. I love the feeling of wrapping myself up in what is essentially a small blanket, and still feeling dressed up. I love the feeling of burying my face in that warm fabric as I walk to class in the morning. I love the different style of scarves and how people can express themselves in different ways depending on how they tie the fabric.
2. Ice
I know this response seems counter-intuitive. You’re thinking, “Ice? But isn’t ice dangerous and cold and slippery? Didn’t my neighbor’s grandma fall on ice and break her hip last year?” Yes. All of those things are correct. Ice is slippery and it can be dangerous. Nevertheless, it is still one of the reasons I love the winter months. Have you ever woken up early the morning and seen ice coating the trees? Ice transforms the normally barren and desolate trunks and branches into shining crystal. When the sun rises and reflects off the branches, suddenly the mundane world appears extraordinary. I love these mornings, and they would not be possible without the ice.
3. Snow
I love snow. As a skier, I suppose that is to be expected, but my chief reason for adoring snow as I do is actually not motivated by my love of skiing. I love snow because my dog loves it so much. She is fascinated by it, and loves to hop, leap and jump through the snow banks in our driveway as my Dad shovels. She loves to catch snowballs. I also think that the snow, like the ice, brings a new kind of beauty to the brown world of winter. Plus, snow makes winter hikes so much more exciting.
4. Hot Chocolate
While I suppose you can technically drink hot chocolate at any point during the year, there is something special about drinking it in the winter. Nothing warms you up faster or tastes sweeter than a cup of hot chocolate after a cold afternoon outside.
5. Snowmen
I have always loved building snowmen. It is a winter time activity that I try and do every single chance I get. At every snow fall I run outside and evaluate the snow to see if it is ideal packing snow. I make tiny snowmen and huge snowmen. Once, my Dad and I made about ten snowmen all over my neighbors yard, but that is another story. As childish as it seems, I adore building snowmen.
6. Snowball Fights
One of my favorite things about the winter months and the snow is how the weather seems to bring out the inner child hiding in many people. There is something magical and fun about picking up a snowball and hurling it at your friends. For awhile, everyone is able to simply laugh and run and be silly without worrying about the responsibilities of adulthood. So if you have the opportunity this winter, pick up a snowball and (safely) through it. Be a kid again, if only for a few minutes.
7. The Holidays
Even if you despise snow, ice, darkness, and cold, it is, in my opinion, truly hard to hate the holiday season. Even when you are having a terrible day, there is a different kind of energy in the air during these months. Something is different. Maybe there’s a little more hope. Maybe I’m just so absorbed into the culture of Christmas joy that it consumes me. I don’t know. Either way, I love having a break from classes to spend time with my family.
8. The Weather
While I am the kind of person who generally checks the weather report every day before getting dressed, in the winter I check the radar every few hours. The weather becomes a dynamic, exciting, changing thing in the winter. I am constantly checking snow reports and conditions, cheering when I see a storm is coming across Lake Erie and heading my way. The Weather report becomes a form of high-stakes entertainment. Will it snow? Will classes be cancelled? How many inches of snow will we get? How many FEET of snow will we get? When will it come? How long will it last?
Only time will answer these questions, and that time is nearly upon us.
Winter is coming.
I am so looking forward to the next few cold, snowy months. Grab your scarf, let’s go build a snowman!
