by Ann Scott

Created on: June 11, 2008

REASONS TO LOVE WINTER

I can think of several reasons to love winter. When the snow falls softly upon the land and covers everything with a white blanket, then the sun shines out and the whole world sparkles like millions of diamonds shimmering in the cold, it is the most beautiful sight on Earth. Many people are blessed to live in a place where snow is common in the winter months, others only get snow on rare occasions, but snow is a very beautiful winter experience.

I have loved winter since I was a child. It is a time when you can curl up beside a warm fire, read a good book, and get lost in a tale that will transport you to another time and another place.

On cold, crisp days when the sun shines, you can go for long, leisurely walks, enjoying the beauties of nature. Sometimes you can find the shells of Cicadas hanging onto the trees with their long, lifeless legs. They look like big-eyed space aliens, clinging for all they are worth, to the last tiny thread of life.

Little wild critters scurry around looking for a hole to crawl in or a hollow tree into which they can burrow for the cold days ahead. There is usually the crunching of crispy leaves underfoot as they put up their own little song of resistance while you trample on their deadness. If you are quiet you might even see a rabbit, as it tries to avoid your presence.

On days when it is cold and drizzly it is always fun to make hot chocolate, or popcorn balls, or even plain popcorn, and to sit with the family and watch the snow pile up. It is great just to enjoy the company of each other and be closed in together in a good, warm home. It is a time to reminisce, and think about old times, pore over old photo albums, or play games with the children.

When the weather is right and the snow starts to fall, cold winds begin to blow, and a blanket of snow covers your world, life seems to move at a much slower pace. Outside sounds are at a minimum, and you almost feel as if you are in your own private world. Many still have to report to work but schools are usually dismissed, and if you are lucky you can take a day of leave from work. Possibly your workplace is one of those that will allow you to miss a day of work if there is inclement weather. If that is the case, the whole family can go outside, make snowmen, snow angels, or simply make tracks in the snow. Another thing that is great fun, especially for children, is to build snow forts and bombard each other with snowballs.

Then there is the best part of all, the making of snow ice cream. It tastes so sweet and creamy. It is so easily made in your own kitchen, and so tasty, that it is easy to eat too much. You'll probably want a blanket to wrap yourself in so you can stay warm while you eat it. Snow ice cream is very cold, and will make you cold all over. While you are gathering some warmth from the wrap, you can savor the taste of the ice cream as long as there is any left, or until you can hold no more, whichever comes first.

Winter is also the time of year when your thoughts may turn to the Christmas season. You can plan a Christmas card list, plan Christmas dinner, or think about decorations for the lawn and inside the home. It is a very good time, if you haven't already done so, to plan the shopping for the people on your shopping list. If you are a crafter, the creation of your own Christmas cards, is another activity that is enjoyed by many.

Ahhh! Winter! After the hot, muggy days of summer, it is a welcome relief to the soul and the body.

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