Winter can be gloomy. There is something about the lack of sunlight and the endless chill that lends itself to melancholy poetry and late night contemplation. But winter can be lovely too. I’ve never been very partial to winter, but recently there have been such delights, that I might have to change my tune. Just in time for the winter solstice. I love winter and here is why.

1. Glitter falling from the sky

In Michigan, sunlight in the wintertime is a blessing in itself. When I looked out the window the other day, there was sunlight reflecting off the snow being blown about. In that moment it was not snow, it was glitter.

2. Beds become more comfy

It is impossible to truly appreciate the comfort a warm bed can afford until you have just come in from negative infinity degree weather. The resulting sigh of relief is legendary.

3. Twilight all night

With all the clouds, light pollution, and reflective snow there is a strange ever present twilight to winter nights which give an ethereal quality to the night. There is stillness and quiet because sound is absorbed by the snow and that, my friends, is something to be cherished.

4. Pockets, gloves, and socks. Oh My!

The chill in the air forces me to stick all my extremities into pockets and pouches. I’ve never been more grateful for gloves than in the winter chill. Who knew a sweaty palm could be reason for celebration? It is a special feeling to be bundled up and still be prepared to venture out into the cold.

5. New beginnings

The month of December is so irrevocably tied to new starts that it’s impossible not to get excited and impatient for a new beginning. The freshness of the first snowfall blanketing the ground and the counting down the seconds to a new year.

6. Sweets and sweetness

Sugar and honey and syrup and molasses; these are the things that make baked goods sweet. Culturally it seems that winter is the time for baking. There are sweet treats abound and everywhere I look I see people sharing their efforts with one another. This act of sharing sweetness makes the bitter wind blowing outside seem irrelevant.

7. Snow-tivities

If there is no snow there is no winter sport. What a time it is to get in touch with your inner child and make a snow angel or sled down a hill. Sliding along a smooth ice rink or simply down slippery sidewalks makes even walking down the street an activity.

8. It’s snow beautiful

That’s what it comes down to. There is such beauty and wonder encapsulated in each winter frame. From the individuality of the structure of each snowflake to the grandness of a mountain of snow, each step along the way is lovely and pure.

There is wonder in each foot print left in a blank expanse. There is joy in moonlight reaching out to touch frozen branches. Laughter in the clouds that escape everyone’s mouths as they speak in the cold winter air. It is cheesy and cliche but also true and magnificent. Happy winter to you.