I will be the first to admit that I’m not a big fan of winter. I don’t think I’ve ever really been one. As a kid I did a lot of winter activities… skiing, ice hockey, sledding, winter camping… but I can’t say I really loved any of them except perhaps hockey, and I wasn’t a great hockey player. Since leaving for university (and having to pay my own bills), I’ve never gone back to hockey, and the only other winter activity I ever really enjoyed was snowboarding, and that lasted up until somebody stole my board almost twenty years ago.
But I love the “feel” of winter. I love waking up to a world covered in a thin layer of snow. I love hot chocolate, and warm fireplaces, and the sense of slow, ponderous weight that everything takes on when it’s winter. Yes, you can go somewhere, but you’d better be wearing good socks. Or two pairs of good socks. And thick pants. And several layers of shirt. The process of just leaving my house is almost half an hour of prep, and I strangely really enjoy that. I love not having to go anywhere more than even that, though. The world telling me “Hey, it’s dangerous outside. Maybe just don’t?” and me saying back “Huh, you’re right. Hot chocolate and blankets, here I come!”
I suppose the snowfall we’re getting today is making me think of this. Sadly, no slow, enjoyable snow day for me. I have to head out into the cold in a few hours to work the other job. But the thought of being warm and cozy is nice, at least.
Hope everyone out there is staying safe and healthy!