During this time of year, the cause of everyone’s excitement is the weather. The sun is finally sticking around and the warmth is enough to take off our jackets and go sleeveless. We’re all going outside and smiling at the sky, because we’ve finally made it through those horribly cold winter days. Now that it’s nice out, what’s next?
Why are we constantly looking forward to those summer days? All throughout the year, you can see people posting on their social media or telling their friends about how much they miss summer and can’t wait for the next one. Why do we love summer so much? What makes it so much better than the other seasons? It’s warm, but most people find time to complain about that just as much as they complain about the cold in the winter. What is it about June, July and August, and part of May and September, that people adore?
Freedom.
If you’re a student, then summer is most likely your favorite time of the year. You don’t have to attend school for an entire three months. There isn’t any homework keeping you away from spending time doing whatever you want. You’re free from the prison bars the government likes to call “school,” or if you’re in college, you’re free from the stress pool the world likes to call “preparing you for life.” The freedom is definitely a perk of summer. Even if you work a job, you’re still freer than you are in the colder months. On the weekends, or whatever day you have off, you can do things outside, because it’s nice out. In the winter, you’re stuck inside.
The beach.
There is just something about the beach that most people love. I don’t know if it’s the sand, the water, the bathing suits or just the hot sun, but the beach is a popular place. We just can’t get enough of that place and will often drive hours just to reach one. The lucky ones are the people who live down the street from one. Personally, I always had to plan days ahead of time and make a day trip out of it, because it was too far away. Either way, I’ve always loved the beach and I know many of you do, too.
Being tan.
This is one thing that so many people work hard to achieve. Being tan is something foreign to the winter months, unless you spend time in a tanning booth, but that’s not the same thing as the good ol' UV rays that you get during the summer. Life is just better when you’re tan. Looking down at your skin and seeing that beautiful bronze just lifts your spirits, no matter how dark it is. Even a little tan is better than no tan.
Bonfires.
Ah, the lovely nights sitting around a fire with friends, wearing hoodies and flip flops, drinking out of plastic cups and eating hotdogs and s’mores. Those are the nights that I look forward to when I think of summer. I don’t know why having a fire in front of you makes it more enjoyable and relaxing, but it does. The big flames and loud laughs make for a great night.
Starry nights.
My favorite thing to do in the summer is to go somewhere at night, lay on the ground and just look up at the stars. In the summer, the sky is clear enough to see millions of stars. The longer you lay on the ground, the more stars appear. I could lay there for hours just staring at those sparkling dots so far away.
Camping.
This one goes hand-in-hand with the bonfires and starry nights, but it deserves its own spot on the list. Whether it’s a camping trip with your family or with your friends, it is sure to be fun. I love playing card games at picnic tables and swimming in lakes. I love running around barefoot and making breakfast over the fire. I love sleeping in tents and slowly sinking into the air mattress during the night because there is a hole in it that you didn’t know about. I love going days without showering, but not caring because you’re camping and you swim in the lake every day anyway. I love canoe rides and candid pictures. There are so many good things about camping and I love every minute of it.
Just…summer.
Summer just has the feeling of being carefree and happy. It’s a beautiful season that is filled with so many beautiful moments. You share these moments with family, friends and even strangers. I may have missed some things that people look forward to in the summer, but that’s because the list could go on forever. Summer is just a bright, free and exciting month filled with smiles, laughter and adventure.
Summer is summer, and summer is great, and everyone can't wait.
