Winter: (noun) the coldest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from December to February and in the southern hemisphere from June to August.
Welcome to January, the month of fresh beginnings, new resolutions, and drones of winter whiners. You know the type (maybe you are the type)… people who complain tirelessly of their disdain for the frigid season.
On one hand, I get a certain level of irritation. You have to be extra vigilant about your health at the height of cold and flu season. Winter blues and seasonal affective disorder are both very real things.
However, I’m here to look at the bright side of things. I think winter gets an unwarranted bad rap. Let’s countdown the top five reasons why winter is actually pretty cool (pun completely intended).
5. The Fashion
Once the temperature drops, I want nothing more than to be cozy. Winter fashion is where it’s at with slouchy sweaters, fuzzy socks, and fleece pullovers. Let’s also talk about the patterns: fair isle, buffalo plaid, and tartan – OH MY! I absolutely detest being hot, and in the winter, you can always throw on another layer. I will always choose a familiar over-sized sweatshirt with boots over a summertime tank and flip-flops.
4. The Food
To me, winter is synonymous with comfort food. Give me all the warm casseroles, the simmering soups, and toasty beverages. Sure, you can eat a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup any time of the year, but it certainly tastes better in the winter. I don’t miss summer barbecues at all when I have a plate full of savory chicken potpie. Is there anything better than coming inside all rosy-cheeked after playing in the snow to a marshmallow filled mug of hot chocolate? (No, no there is not.)
3. Four Seasons
As Ohioans, we get to experience the four seasons. To us natives, this might not seem like a big deal, but I assure you it is. Many people would LOVE to live in a place that has a winter season and snow…and we do! That first fresh snowfall always brings a sense of peace, as it coats the ground in a glistening blanket of white. As a child, snow is magical. Snow angels, snowball fights, snowmen, snow forts, snow ice cream, sledding… the possibilities are endless and snow much fun. (Once again, pun most definitely intended.)
4. Indoor play
I won’t deny that winter in Ohio can bring brutally cold temperatures that make outdoor play nearly impossible. Yes, it is easy to rely on a screen when you are forced to hibernate inside. Turn off the TV, and you will find that indoor play lends itself to creativity. We’ve assembled indoor tents and gone camping, we’ve made a swimming pool for Minnie and Daisy out of Tupperware containers, I’ve visited my daughter’s hair salon more times than I can count, and I’ve been the guest at many fabulous tea parties. (The best part of all? They don’t even miss the screen.)
5. We All Slow Down
From Halloween to New Year’s, time feels like it is in fast forward. There are so many events, gatherings, and activities. Yes, there is a lot of fun and celebrating, but it can feel a little overwhelming. Come January, we can all take a collective breath and just be. This, without a doubt, is my favorite part of winter. My little family and I can snuggle together, relax at home, stay in pajamas all day, and relish the fact that we have NO PLANS. In my book, no plans are most certainly the best plans.
So there you have it, friends, five reasons why you shouldn’t let winter get you down. It’s okay if winter is never going to be your jam; we can agree to disagree. I’ll stick to the mantra of a well-known queen, “The cold never bothered me anyway.”
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