Daylight saving time was not too long ago, and you know what that means. Not only does it get dark earlier, which on its own front is horrible, but it's also time for the weather to start getting colder and colder as winter gets closer. The cold weather seems to last so much longer than warm weather does. If you’re anything like me and hate the cold as much as I do, this is a dreaded time.
Winter brings lots of bad things. The worst part of winter is definitely snow. I never used to mind snow. I never liked the cold. In fact, I hate the cold more than anything. I hate going outside for two minutes and shivering for 30 minutes even after returning to the warmth because the cold strikes you to the bone. I also hate having to be bundled up in a thousand layers that make every single movement feel limited. However, back in high school when I was indoors most of the day, snow didn’t really bother me. In fact, I thought it was extremely pretty. Once I hit college and had to walk around outside in it constantly, it became annoying. Not only was it annoying, but it was also incredibly dangerous. Nothing worse than playing a guessing game on whether or not you’re going to fall on your face on your way to class through snow, ice, and slush.
As bad as winter is, there are a few things that I’ve grown to appreciate more because of its presence.
1. Blankets: In the summer time, sleeping can get pretty uncomfortable. If your cooling system isn’t enough, or if you don’t even have one, it can get pretty hot and hard to sleep. Having blankets on the bed is actually painful. Even if they aren’t on top of you and they’re just next you, chances are you’re so hot you don’t want anything touching you at all, much less something that will make you even hotter. This can become especially problematic if you’re weird like me and need something covering you in order to fall asleep. In the winter though, blankets are the best. Nothing better than going to bed at night and getting all warm and cozy under blankets. The only downside to this is in the mornings when it’s time to surface out from under the blankets. But that’s where the shower comes in handy.
2. Hot showers: Showers are always generally relaxing and enjoyable. However, when its cold all around you, stepping into a nice warm shower is the best feeling in the world. It can get dangerous though if you have places to go. One of my favorite activities is standing in the warm water long after I should have gotten out. It’s just so relaxing to feel the warm water surrounding you, sheltering you from the cold air.
3. Sweaters and hats: I have more sweaters and hoodies than most people need. I have more winter clothes than anything, simply because I love how comfortable everything is. I also love being able to pull my hands up into my sleeves and instantly be safe from the cold. I have poor circulation in my hands, which makes them always cold, and that’s an easy fix to that problem, but it’s also just comfortable. I also love hats in the winter. I have a whole small tote filled with hats. I always find really cool hats that I just HAVE to have, and manage to justify my purchase somehow. Having a warm head and, especially, warm ears in style is very important.
4. Hot drinks: In the summer, cool drinks can be pretty refreshing to help you cool down. But in the winter, warm drinks serve many purposes. Not only are they delicious and refreshing, but the way they quickly warm up your throat and then your belly, which in turn warms up your whole body, is great. Warm drinks also make great hand-warmers. Nothing is better than walking around outside in the cold with your hands clasped around a warm mug, especially if you’ve forgotten your gloves or they just aren’t doing their job that particular night.
5. Heat in general: Usually, even though I hate freezing, I hate being hot as well. In the summer if it gets too hot, I get into the air conditioning as quickly as possible. Even in the winter, I don’t like the heat to be on too high, especially when I’m sleeping since I overheat. However, when you first walk inside from out in the cold, the rush of hot air is the best thing in the world. Especially if your hands are freezing and they start getting all tingly while warming up, heat is truly something to appreciate.
While winter sure is horrible, if you stop and appreciate these things, you might have a little more enjoyable of a time. These five simple things can’t fix everything, but they can at least give you a glimpse, no matter how small, at the silver lining. The cold weather may seem to last forever, but spring will be here soon. Just drink your tea, stay indoors under your blankets, and everything will be OK. If you’re having an especially hard time, just hibernate all season long. If bears can do it, we can too! Don’t let society’s expectations get you down. Winter sucks, and you have to cope somehow. Who is anyone to tell you hibernating is wrong? No matter how you choose to fight, good luck in winning the war against winter.
