Six Cool, Awesome Perks of Winter

Lots of people dislike winter and I get that—shorter days, freezing temps, driving on ice and snow. But despite these hardships, this season is not without its gifts. Six beautiful ones come to mind…

Coziness—Winter is an introvert’s dream. We don’t have to feel guilty about not being outside, sun-worshiping, moving, and looking busy. Add a book, roaring fire, a sweater, and we’re good to go. In many ways, it’s a quieter time than summer with its boisterous barbecues, parades, and July fourth fireworks. And yes, there is such a thing as cabin fever, if this goes on too long. But for sheer hygge (Danish word for comfy), winter is the best. It’s the season of home.

Birds, birds…and birds! — We have what I call an “avian garden” outside our front window. We only see it in winter—with the help of five feeders. Red cardinals, blue jays, little brown titmice, red and white woodpeckers, all flutter and fly about. The sight brings happiness throughout the season, especially when coupled with a recent snowfall. Can you get any more wintery? All that movement and color and life. It’s wonderful to see creatures who have no idea what’s happening in the world and don’t care. They exist in their own realm. I find that soothing.

Snow falling—There’s something about the hush of falling snow that’s mesmerizing, even spiritual. (Yes, especially when you don’t have to drive in it). I’m one of those New Englanders who won’t motor out if a flake is coming down. I’m a sissy, I admit it. Safely inside, there’s nothing lovelier than watching those delicate crystals come to earth. I’ve stood outside in a snowfall and there’s a special quiet that comes upon everything. Even the animals seem stiller. I picture them inside their burrows and warrens and nests, cuddling together for warmth.

Cold, crisp air—Not to be confused with arctic air that rattles the bones every time you walk outside. Crisp air is that low humidity cold you breathe in and feel energized by. I always start the winter needing to bundle up a lot. But as the months go on, I can take the temps with more ease. I even keep my jacket unbuttoned. Maybe the blood thickens? Maybe we just get heartier. Maybe I’ve gained an extra pound. Who knows? Whatever the case, I’ll take cold, crisp air over too hot any day.

Bears are hibernating—Thank God. In my Connecticut neighborhood, there have been lots of bear sightings, too many for my comfort level. Nothing against these big, furry creatures—especially moms with babies—but I don’t want to run into one…or three. (That’s why I always carry a whistle). In winter, it’s nice to take hikes knowing I won’t run into one of these behemoths, now slumbering. Are we walking on top of their underground dens, I sometimes wonder? And what’s it like sleeping below the earth for months? Only the bears know and they’re not saying.

Spring is even sweeter—By March, we’re all ready to say, “Check, please” to Old Man Winter. April is a hard-won victory. I love those little purple crocus shoots that are first to arrive, sometimes when snow is still on the ground. Before we know it, yellow daffodils and golden forsythia are making their spring debut. After snow and ice and cold, all this beautiful growth feels even more precious. We survived. And our reward is the most welcome, verdant, hopeful season of all— with its budding trees, green grass, and busy birds building nests.

I’ve learned to cherish each season and turn of nature’s wheel. Maybe there’s a lesson in this natural order. Winter may be a time of barrenness and cold, but lying just below is new life. The cycle never stops.

In the meantime, I’m ready for hygge.

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