Winter days have their own character and charm. Depending on where you live, however, winter may be nothing more than a few days of coolish weather, or an unusual number of overcast days. I’ve lived in a few states, and each one offered a unique version of winter weather. Comparing them, I’m nearly always drawn to “real winters,” those with cold temps at or below ten degrees and plenty of snow (to include a few old-fashioned blizzards and whiteouts when they close the interstates).
“A cold wind was blowing from the north, and it made the trees rustle like living things.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
There’s something about looking out the window on a snowy day that reminds me of all the other snowy days I’ve witnessed. Beginning with a Dakota childhood, winter snowfall has been part of my memories–snow boots, big coats and hats, thick mittens and scarves–but besides the obvious demands of staying warm in the winter, there were the extended board games, card games that came with hot chocolate and warm cookies. And of course, as kids, we had sleds and ice skates that we loved to drag out for the first time every season. We also built igloos in our backyard, impressive ones at that. Winter without snow sounds dreadfully dull and boring, yet, our planet is facing some tough realities when it comes to a season that many of us actually appreciate and enjoy.
Silence and deep listening are winter themes that also resonate with me. Poets have long tried to capture the essence of a true winter day, how everything seems blanketed in beauty. David Whyte wrote a wonderful poem called “The Winter of Listening.” Our surroundings do seem to relax and slow down when a fine winter storm arrives. As though giving us a much needed respite from our rushed, overly stressed lifestyles, we can kick back and enjoy a peaceful day at home (unless we absolutely have to go out for work or necessities); we can also dig into projects that we’ve had on a back burner for way too long. Maybe you opt for a luxurious day in the kitchen making something complicated, but, ultimately, rewarding and delicious. The creativity alone is wonderfully energizing. Or maybe you decide to organize your book collection, your socks, or finally pick up an instrument you love; it’s dusty and out of tune, but you bring it back to life with a great feeling of satisfaction. Winter gives us a chance to find the warmth in our lives once more.
And now with the changing seasons, I find myself feeling very very attached to real winters, and wondering if they will vanish one day like an extinct bird or fish or plant. Am I clinging to the past? Perhaps, but what else is one to do at a time like this? ~
“Surely everyone is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a wintry fireside; candles at four o’clock, warm hearthrugs, tea, a fair tea-maker, shutters closed, curtains flowing in ample
draperies to the floor, whilst the wind and rain are raging audibly without.”
― Thomas De Quincey, Confessions of an English Opium Eater
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