Our winter was and has been unusual I suppose for my corner of Utah. Having only been living here for two years, I do not know enough to make that judgement, but everyone around me has. Why? Because it snowed like snow was going out of style and was pretty darn cold.
I, personally, enjoy winter and snow. Similar to everyone else, I am not fond of driving on icy roads, getting snow in my shoes, or slipping on ice, but I am of the opinion that winter is rather awe inspiring. Unfortunately I hear everyday, "I'm sick of the snow!" "I'm sick of the cold!" "It's so ugly outside!" etc. It gets old.
Because of this I am providing a list of reasons why to love and be happy in the winter even when it is cold and overcast.
1. There is still color. The world is beautiful. It still has colors and sparkles even when devoid of the sun. The mostly "white" or "gray" days feel like the world is making itself pure again. There have been many "gray" days this winter and many acquaintances told me, "It is so depressing. I'm sick of brown and white." I still see colors in the mountains and in the world around me. There are browns, whites, hues of yellow (in the sky, not the snow), and greens, and blues, some light lavender. When the sun is down, there are deep blues and navy, and black, perhaps even hints of purple. There are the deep greens and grays. If the sun or moon is out, the snow becomes millions of tiny rainbows. Stunning. I love it. Even the air sparkles. WOW.2. Mountains covered in snow. Not only is this great for the farming community and all that, One cannot look at snow covered peaks and not sigh at the splendor. Majestically they reach towards the heavens. I fill with pride when I look at the mountains' winter blanket. For those of you who are not surrounded by mountains. I am sorry.
3. Winter night sky. If the sky is cloudless, there is something about the winter night sky that is so magical. The crispy air (which is another thing I love) combined with darkness which only comes in winter. The stars shine so brightly in cold air. I don't know why it is, but it makes me happy.
4. This picture...
No explanation needed.
5. Winter activities. Skiing made my ankles hurt, but lots of people love it, especially in Utah. There is also ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing (if that is your thing), and many more. Great family fun.
6. No naked bodies. If you live where I live, or have lived, or anywhere where it is considered a heat wave if the temperature reaches 10 degrees F in the winter, then one doesn't have to see people wearing next to nothing. You always hear the cliche that you can always layer when it is cold, but there are only so many layers to shed when it is hot. You can be stark naked in the summer and still be sweating. Just saying.
7. The snow is a perfect pet bathroom. It is much easier to see your dog's poop at night on the snow then on grass. With as much snow as we got this year this winter, I've not had to use my flashlight at all to pick up Victor's evidence of bowel movement. If he lifts his leg but the snow remains white, I know he's emptied himself completely and we can go home. Yeah it is hard to hold a flashlight in one hand and fiddle with a poop bag in the other.
8. Hot chocolate, hot cider, and soups. YUM!
9. Snowflakes. Not one snowflake alike. I find this fact fascinating. There is so much snow all over the world. Countless number of snowflakes and not one is like the other. I like to imagine that God has all the little children in Heaven design and make paper snowflakes as templates. They are all beautiful works of art. I especially like the fluffy cotton ball snowflakes. Even winter storms are amazing, blizzards and fogs.
10. God's love. The creation of the world and all of its seasons is amazing. Every time there is a snowstorm, or piles of snow, I am reminded of what a beautiful and amazing world we were given. I respect nature's power. Each season has a purpose and an explanation. If the weather was the same all year we would be going mad with boredom or just be extinct. Spring brings new life and blossoms. Summer brings the bright sun and flip flops. Fall brings beautiful leaves and perfect jacket weather. Winter lets much of the world rest and cleanses the Earth before starting anew with Spring. Granted I do get wary of winter because I will be ready for the change, but by that time Spring has already sprung.God really has given us this beautiful world, and I cannot make you love one season over the other. But, you can still respect it. Cozy up under a blanket and read with hot chocolate in your hands and enjoy the season of Winter while it's still here.
