Winter is one of the seasons that we all have a bittersweet relationship with. We love it because it brings holidays, winter break, a new year, and the end of a semester. On the other hand we have to deal with driving in the snow, scraping ice off our car, holiday shopping (which can be good and bad), and the below freezing temperatures. Everyone has their preferences on winter, but when you live in Minnesota winter is something that you just need to accept, because it will never go away.
Snow
Con: Once the snow does come (which can be anytime between October and January) we know that it will seem like forever before spring will ever come (if it does ever come). After what for some can be a day, some a month that the snow is here, we become sick of its inconvenience.
Pro: The snow (especially the first) can be such a beautiful thing. It has a majestic look that is an indescribable sight when the snow has been untouched. Before the snow plows come through the area looks like a winter wonderland. If you have never seen a town after a fresh snowfall then I feel sorry for you, for you have missed out on one of nature's most beautiful creations.
The Holidays
Con: The holidays can be a wonderful, but also stressful time. They bring on a new level of stress sometimes financially and sometimes socially. Families have certain expectations that you may not always be able to fulfill and the amount of gifts you feel you need to purchase can be overwhelming. Then once the holidays are over you look back and realize that you didn't even get the chance to appreciate them because of stress..
Pro: Obviously the holidays are some of the best times of the year. As one year comes to an end we get to reflect and look forward to the amazing things that are yet to come in the new year. You learn to appreciate what you have and realize that the holidays are not just about materialistic things, the holidays are about spending time with the people that mean the most to you and creating memories and traditions that last a lifetime.
Work
Con: During the holidays some jobs can be more stressful. It is a busy season for many jobs and in general can be a time when deadlines need to be met. People are out shopping, out to eat more, and having family gatherings. having to work during these times can really drag down the holiday mood, however most of us are going to have to work a holiday at least once in our life, we might as well make the best of it.
Pro: Even though work can be busy, the best thing to do is look at the fact that during the holidays we have these jobs to provide for ourselves and our families. This is a busy season where we can make a little extra money, put in a few extra hours so we can afford to take this time off and give a little extra to those in need. Take this time to be thankful for your job, I'm sure it has its ups and downs, but you have the ability to provide, and that's always a blessing.
A New Year
Con: The new year can again be a time you have to work, or a time you reflect and realize that your life may not be where you want it to be. But let's be honest, a fresh start never hurt anyone.
Pro: There is definitely more positives than negatives to a new year. You get the opportunity to think about yourself and even if you don't have "new years resolutions" which most people don't stick to anyways, you can take a moment to think about something in your life you would like to improve on. Maybe it's something as simple as reading a good book, spending less money on wants, or even saving for a trip you've been dying to take. Set goals that are realistic, you are more likely to set another goal if you have a track record of accomplishing them. Take the new year to be excited for what's to come, look back at all that has changed and brace yourself for more change to come!
Finals (for us college students)
Cons: Well sadly finals bring on a lot of stress and the end of the semester is coming fast! A few of us are graduating and moving on to bigger things, while some of us are just trying to get by and finish the semester strong. We may be trying to pick up the slack from the semester, and we may be just trying to maintain the grade we have to get the GPA we want. Finish on a good note and remember that we are all struggling, your not alone.
Pro: Yes it is stressful, however after you make it through you'll realize that a new semester is yet to come. You have the chance to have a clean slate and learn from mistakes you may have made this semester. Look at finals as the last run before you are done. The finish line will come soon enough, finish on a high note!
Holiday drinks, Christmas lights, and family time are all things that you can look at as positives about winter. We all have to get through winter together, do it positively because every year it will come back. You like it a lot moe than you think, even us freeze babies like the winter a little bit! Take your winter break to do at least one thing that is new, you won't regret it.
Happy Holidays
