Summer to me is the most beautiful of all seasons.
Sitting outside cafes and bars, sipping a refreshing frozen margarita, or taking a stroll through the park without feeling shivers and shudders, and feeling the warmth of the summer sunshine upon your skin. Nothing beats it, and it is most definitely my favourite time of the year.

Summer during my childhood was always a time spent with family in Scotland during the school holidays. I would stay with my grandparents and run errands for them, enjoying their attention and affection. I would go to the seaside with my aunt and cousins for fun and frolics on the sand. I would make new friends in the village, and play until late in the evening in the cool of the light night. I would return home at the end of the summer feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Summer is very different now, especially considering I no longer get 6 weeks off from work to do what I want with, as I did at school, but it's different now because I see my own children benefiting from the sun and the warmth, and enjoying the summer the way I would as a youngster.

The longer days, barbecues in the garden which stretch out until the (light) early evening, going camping on a farm, and walking alongside the glittering canal. All of these things are so much more enjoyable during the summer months, due to the weather mainly, but also because people's spirits are lifted. So why is this? I believe that this is partly because of the lack of SAD (Seasonal affective disorder), but also because people, in general, are getting out more. They become more in touch with nature, and partake in more outdoor sports, getting valuable fresh air and exercise, therefore lifting their moods, and lightening the load of general day to day woes and concerns that afflict the human race.

As spring is starting to appear, with signs of blossoms and buds on trees, baby rabbits hopping in the fields, and daffodils bursting out of every available patch of soil, I can't help but feel an excited, tingling feeling at the delights of summertime, which are imminent.
A few more months to go, and instead of feeling chills, I'll be sat outside the cafe bars, sipping my frozen margarita, and enjoying the summer sunshine.

Learn more about this author, Sinead Mckenzie.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Reflections: Why I enjoy summer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!