So Christmas is done. We’re in the New Year. I can confidently say autumn feels like a life-time ago. I can’t be the only one thinking that winter is most definitely here! Everytime I think winter is being kind to us compared to previous years, we get hit by cold snap. As I write this (potentially a week or so before I actually share it!) I am sheltering inside after going out into one of the bitterest mornings so far; it’s that kind of still cold which somehow manages to get through all and every layer you wear.
Autumn is one of my favourite seasons, second only to spring. I always enjoy, albeit with some sadness, the ‘last hurrah’ of the plants and trees through autumn; for a few weeks the world turns golden and it’s beautiful. When that suddenly reaches an end, I usually feel a bit low. Christmas is the one glimmering light on the horizon through to December. But then, from January, all that I see is 2 – 3 months of car-de-icing, breath-freezing, skin-chapping cold ahead.
But…to stop there would be doing winter a huge disservice. Because in truth this season has some pretty awesome things going for it! So to encourage me (and any of you out there who aren’t relishing the weather right now) to embrace this time of year, here are some reasons why it’s pretty amazing!
•• Cold, crisp, silent mornings – You know the ones I mean. Sure your nose might freeze the moment you step outside, but when you stop and listen you can barely hear a sound.
•• Beautiful frost patterns – Look closely at the frost and ice on the car, the window or a leaf and it has a beautiful, intricate pattern. Nothing is more beautiful that something that forms naturally and this is a great example!
•• Getting home after a brisk walk – After a long walk out in the chilly air, it’s always SO nice to step into the house and be hit by warmth. When it’s properly cold outside, your house doesn’t even need to be warm to get that feeling! I love de-layering and for the first 10 minutes after getting home, feeling warm even in just a t-shirt.
•• Snuggling on the sofa with a cuppa and a film – Sure you can do this at any time of year, but there is something special about doing it in winter. When it’s cold and dark outside, or lashing down with rain, there is no reason to feel guilty for retreating to the sofa.
•• Awesome jumpers – There aren’t many things more comfy and cosy that a nice snuggly jumper. What other time of year are you going to wear them?
•• Long hot showers – Or baths if you prefer. I love hot showers. I mean really hot. I especially love them in winter because for those few minutes my core temperature sky-rockets. I still remember back in my rowing days, one of my favourite things about winter training was getting home, chucking my damp (or often drenched) kit in the washing machine and enjoying my shower.
•• Winter food! – Yeh, I know, we can eat whatever we want at any time the year now. But in reality, we naturally deviate towards ‘hearty’ food in winter. And who doesn’t love a steaming hot bowl of stew, a massive roast, hot soup with crunchy bread or crumble and custard!
•• Spring is on the horizon – In spite of what I said earlier, every day spring draws closer and the signs slowly appear. First the snow drops, then the crocuses and hellebores. The daffs are then soon following behind and once the tulips appear, well you know it’s spring then!
What are your favourite things about winter?
24 comments On In the bleak mid-winter…
I’m like you, winter is my least favourite season! And as of yet we haven’t even had any proper frost or snow up here 🙁 and the only thing worse than just winter is winter consisting of just grey skies and rain!! So I’m really struggling to enjoy the season right now, but I do enjoy the indoor cozy cuddles and a hot cup of chocolate xx #familyfun
Josefine recently posted…Baby Approved Savoury Muffins
You’re so right about the grey skies. That’s disappointing that that’s all you’ve got right now. We had LOTS of ice this morning; I was grateful to be working from home as it took ages to de-ice the car to take Little H to nursery. When I was at Uni in Durham I loved that on the cold days the skies were at least beautifully clear. Hope you sneak in some cuddles and hot chocolate today! xx
I’m not a big winter fan, but I do love a walk on cold, crisp, frosty, sunny day. Unfortunately, the sun is a rare sight here in Glasgow, especially in the winter! #FamilyFun
The Squirmy Popple recently posted…Save the Lanarkshire Baby Bank
Yes it must be tough up in Scotland where the days are even shorter! Thanks for reading xx
It’s all about long hot baths for me. In qatar though cold is 25! I don’t think I can ever return to Yorkshire! #familyfun
Wandermust mummy recently posted…A Day In & Around Montjuic with a Baby
Goodness, 25 is not for me. I definitely couldn’t bath in that weather. Amazing how we adapt to the climate we live in! You’ll definitely need thermals for Yorkshire. Thanks for reading xx
I’m not going to lie I’m not a huge winter fan. I am definitely the summer type. Warm weather no coats or layers that get penetrated no matter what! But you’re right there are things to appreciate about winter. Yes to getting in from a cold walk and also dark mornings – the kiddies sleep past 6 so I’ll take that!! Thanks for joining at #familyfun
That’s so true. I’m getting a Gro Clock to try and train my daughter about ‘get up’ time. At the moment I’ve been using darkness as a way of convincing her to sleep. It will back fire soon. *Gulp* Thanks for reading xx
I do not particularly like winter, But I do like being able to snuggle up on the sofa under warm fluffy blankets. Booey snuggles under with me and we watch trashy tv x
#FamilyFun
Ali Duke recently posted…How I Am Saving Money After Christmas
Trashy TV and blankets are a wonderful part of winter! Thanks for reading xx
I agree that autumn is my favourite season then spring then Winter. Summer is often too hot for me so I love winter over summer. I’ve been getting out lots so far this winter & I love coming home to the warmth!! Thanks for linking up to #familyfun
Karen | TwoTinyHands recently posted…Award Winning #FamilyFun
Yes I often find summer too hot and I also burn easily so have to continually apply suncream which is annoying. Glad you have been enjoying the winter so far (certainly seems so from your lovely pics with Robot!). Thanks for reading xx
Oo tough choice..I think Spring is probably my favourite as that is when is starts warming up and we get to spend a little more time outdoors.MY boys are real outdoorsy types and LOVE being able to come home from school and play outside! #fortheloveofBLOG
Maria recently posted…Friday Photos #8
It is definitely easier to pass the day when the kids can go outside. They aren’t designed to be contained in 4 walls all day!! Thanks for reading xx
I adore the frosty mornings when all the trees are white and everything looks magical. I much prefer spring though and can’t wait until the trees start to blossom and the daffodils poke their heads out! Thanks for joining us, as always for #marvmondays x
Fran Back With A Bump recently posted…Marvellous Mondays
Me too, I can see the signs already! Thanks for reading x
I love the cold crisp mornings like today, but I like even more the days starting to draw out again and signs that spring is near. #MarvMondays
Fiona Cambouropoulos recently posted…Acropolis of Athens, The Uncultured Guide.
It feels like such a treat doesn’t it when you realise it’s still light past 4pm! Thanks for reading x
I am most definitely in the ‘looking forward to spring’ camp now! #marvmondays
Crummy Mummy recently posted…10 things all mums should do before giving birth
Yes, I’m looking for all the springs signs now. Even though it’s a month away. Come on spring!! Thanks for reading x
Hi love winter but I’m so ready for summer now! I like to be able to use the garden as an extension of my tiny house! #dreamteam
Yes my house feels closed off during the winter. I can’t wait for daughter to be able to get back out to play without wellies and 100 layers! Thanks for reading x
I am looking forward to spring too. Winter is lovely, but nothing compares to lush green grass and sunny days. Thank you for sharing with the #dreamteam xx
Annette, 3 Little Buttons recently posted…#HappyLittleButtons January 2017 Round Up
Yes I cannot wait for my garden to be full of green and colour again! Thanks for reading xx