A Miami Winter is just like a New York Summer or Spring. You'd think the weather would be the only aspect affecting my winter, but weather affects just about everything.

My mood

My mood is always better when it's warm outside. I don't care if I'm snuggled up in the warmest coat and furriest hat- my body will still feel numb and I will still see my breath in the air when I exhale. In Florida, I could go outside in shorts and a t-shirt, spending less time putting on an unnecessary amount of layers just to survive the walk to class.

My fashion

A lot of the time, though, I miss the winter fashion that I could always rock in New York. Anything from combat boots to ripped jeans and an oversized sweater to a pom-pom hat. I loved my beanies too. But in Miami instead of beanies, I wear baseball caps. Instead of ripped jeans and a sweater I wear ripped jeans and a tank/tee, or denim shorts. I miss the New York fashion. Because no matter what, even on the coldest day of the year in Florida, I could never wear an oversized sweater.

Not as much hot chocolate

Don't get me wrong, I love the warm weather, but I also miss how common it was in New York to sip hot chocolate or a hot latte from Starbucks. I could drink hot drinks in Florida, but I'd feel like I was doing something foreign because no one ever really drinks hot chocolate during the summer time.

I'll always be tan

But apart from that, I won't miss my pool being closed in the winter. In Florida, the pools are always open, and even at school, I can tan whenever I want. I love not looking like a pale ghost. When I came home for Thanksgiving, I was a few shades darker than my twin sister. The perks of always having the option to tan.

All in all...

I love the warm weather. I love being able to go to the beach whenever, tan whenever, step outside and not feel like I have to protect myself from the freezing cold. I love the freedom of not having to spend hours layering my clothing. I love being able to go swimming when I want or enjoying the outdoors because it's never too cold.

But I also miss a lot about New York winters. I miss wearing boots and tall socks, sipping peppermint hot chocolate and hot coffee frequently, wearing beanies, the sweater weather, and the feeling of the Holiday season.

Although Miami winters are paradise, I can't wait to get back to my roots and experience a New York holiday season. I can't wait to take my annual trip to the tree at Rockefeller Center, see the snow on the ground (even though I don't really like snow), and slip on my boots and jacket and head out the door, ready for anything.

There's a different feeling that the Miami winter gives off. It's a nice feeling, but New York winters are different. Both have their flaws, but there is always something I'll love about both.