We all know the world is ending today according to the Mayan Calendar . . . well, actually they ran out of room and neglected to chisel a new set of hieroglyphics for the next century. That aside, (yeah, I know it’s hard to be blasé about an apocalyptic event, but Y2K had it wrong first), today is also the first day of winter and the Winter Solstice. It’s the longest day of the year which means dark falls early.
Seems like an odd day for celebration.
Usually, my husband and I will fill mugs with coffee or hot chocolate and drive around looking at displays of Christmas lights (not sure that’s going to happen this year as he’s fighting a bad cold). Occasionally, I’ve even packed cookies in the car to make the event more festive. By this time, we pretty much have a handle on the holidays. Decorations are up, cards are mailed, shopping is done, and it’s a time to kick-back and enjoy a bit of seasonal fun. I still have gifts to wrap, but I always reserve that for Christmas Eve during the day.
I can’t say I’m all that thrilled to officially usher in a season of cold, snow and ice, but there’s a spark of magic to be found in the mix. A stillness that settles on the land, especially at night, when the surroundings are wrapped in a hush. It’s an ageless music, underscored by a whisper of earth and sky, something the Vikings surely heard as they trekked across plateaus of snow ribboned with skeins of ice. As much as I could embrace a sun-kissed lifestyle in a tropical setting, I’d have to visit northern climates for the occasional dose of snow and cold. Sporadically, you understand, because winter isn’t without perks.
Cold weather is great for snuggling with your guy or curling up in front of a warm fire. If you’re the outdoorsy type there’s sledding, tobogganing and ice-skating. For astronomers or amateur stargazers, winter is the best time for viewing the heavens. The stars are like cut crystal on a bed of black licorice. They never seem closer.
You might say the romantic in me prefers to overlook the less savory unappealing okay, downright nasty features that go hand-in-hand with winter in the northern hemisphere.Things like snow shoveling, falling on the ice (been there, done that), scraping the windshield because-the-weather-guys-had-the-forecast-wrong-again-and-your-car-got-iced-while-you-were-at-work. There’s also the ever popular getting stuck on the drive home because you didn’t bring the SUV (see reference to highly inaccurate weather guys). And then there’s my favorite – – hives.
Yes, folks, I suffer from something called cold urticaria, a lovely little perk I developed during the Blizzard of ‘93. If I’m exposed to the cold for an extended period of time, I break out in hives, yet another argument for living in a warm climate. My husband tells me I’m like a tropical fish who needs a minimal temperature of 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit to exist.
So assuming we’re all still around tomorrow and the world doesn’t implode, what do you like most about winter? What do you like least? I’d love to hear your opinions as the solstice and the purported end of the world draw nigh. After all, this might be your last chance to share. 😉
From the Pen of Mae Clair 
Ick! Hives? Really? I’m so sorry that happens. I don’t love winter, but I do love a big snow storm. As a kid, that was the magic of winter…the hush of the heavy flakes under the dim street lamp. The pristine white after a fresh snow. Don’t really do any of the winter sports, but I love looking out from the warmth a cozy living room.
Downside? Driving in the stuff. Not fun.
Happy Solstice Day and enjoy the longest night of the year. Hmmmmmm.
LikeLike
I love your descriptions of winter, Stanalei. Pure poetry. I love a big snow storm too. Er…except for the driving part and there I agree with you, LOL. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
LikeLike
The best thing about winter would be spring is just around the corner. I’m not a winter girl, but I love seeing the flush of new spring growth all around me, so I know that’s not far away. Have a safe holiday and a Merry Christmas, Mae.
LikeLike
I love spring too. It’s one of my favorite times of year when everything begins to shed the cold of the previous season and awakens with new life. We actually have snow flurries today and strong wind gusts so it’s bitter cold. Definitely a day to be indoors.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Joanne! 🙂
LikeLike
I happen to live in that tropical climate you described i.e. it doesn’t SNOW in So. Florida and if the sprinklers ICE over then the farmers are pissed… If the Interstate ices over – then we have a total mess … as no one down here had any idea how to drive in either! I like crisp days (40 maybe) but we only get a few of those … so I get winter sparingly when I travel north in late January for work. I like snow, but mostly it gets plowed (in the early morning) before I wake up. Diane
LikeLike
My husband would willingly trade PA for Florida, Diane. He could easily do with “winter sparingly” (or not at all). I’d want to be like you, travel north, and see snow now and again. Hope you enjoy your holidays and that ice doesn’t show up to tick the farmers off 🙂
LikeLike
Yeah, you’re back with your magical key strokes. Maybe it’s me that’s back. My e-mail has been down so I’m way behind and delighted to see you again. I love, love winter now that I’m not standing on the cold sub-zero metro platforms in DC. I still maintain the sub-zero temperatures were easier to tolerate than those 99% humidity summer days of 99 degrees. Did I really wear stockings everyday with my suits during the summer? That must have been someone else. Stay warm and happy holidays.
LikeLike
And, of course, I’m delighted to see you Sheri! Welcome back! 🙂 And both of those temperature extremes you described sound dreadful. I can’t imagine stockings and suits during the summer or standing on sub-zero platforms during the winter. Ack! But, when those things go hand-in-hand with your career, you do what you must. I’m glad you’re at a point now where you can enjoy winter for the sheer delight of the season. Merry Christmas, my friend! 🙂
LikeLike
Your writing is stunning, Mae. I love snuggling up on the couch under a blanket with the gas fire on, a cup of hot tea in my hands and something funny on TV.
LikeLike
Thanks, Emma. 🙂 And I love your description of passing a winter day/night. All that cozy warmth inside keeps the chill at bay. Merry Christmas to you! 🙂
LikeLike