Ahhh, Winter, how long will your visit be? I know it officially starts on December 21st and ends in March. It seems longer than our Spring and Summer put together! This Winter had a later start, which we were all thankful for. I should say most of us were thankful. The skiers and snowmobilers love it when that first blanket falls.
Winter is a time for rest. We planted, gathered, and played all summer. When I think of Winter, I think of all the things that I need to do inside to nurture myself. I read, work on hobbies, celebrate holidays, organize, downsize, and get my house in order.
Winter is an amazing time for all of us. We take the time to reflect on the year that has passed. We plan for the new year to come. I know that many times we think we are going to change that which we didn’t from the year before.
There was a time when we thought that maybe we should have gone to Arizona – warm weather, no snow, or bitter cold. When you have lived your life with four distinct seasons, could you really enjoy the fall and Winter holidays without the falling leaves and snow? I know that I would certainly miss the first snowfall, the crunch of the snow beneath my feet, the tracks of animals, snow storms that make you stay home, and the wind howling against the house.
The smell and crispness of the air, after the first snowfall, make Winter worth it. I always have to call or text my daughter when I see the first snowflake – It’s snowing! I know that it has rubbed off on the granddaughter because she enjoys that first snow like her grandma!
Take time this winter to nurture yourself. Take up a hobby that can only be done in Winter. Read that book you thought you would read this summer when you were busy planting and mowing. Clean out your closets. Get rid of the clutter. Get your house in order so you can really enjoy next summer and plan for next Winter.