How To Anticipate Winter Rather Than Dread It

For some of us the onset of the winter season is something to anticipate with a warm welcome - as warm a welcome as weather permits, anyway. But for others, like myself, waking up one cold December day to find that we've been barricaded inside our house by heaps of snow. The trek to work feels longer than usual when your face is fighting against the wind and your feet are frozen in your boots. Four to five months is too long to be miserable, so your best bet is to look on the bright side. They're hard to find but winter has its merits. If you've got the winter blues, here is a list of seasonal gems to look forward to.

The Holidays
Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa - whatever you celebrate, you can expect your spirits to lift when you are surrounded by family, friends, and delicious food. Instead of stressing over the limited time frame for buying gifts and preparing for the festivities, indulge yourself in holiday activity.

Warming Up
The best part of being cold is getting warm. The frosty weather may leave you with engine red ears and icicles on your eyelashes, but there's nothing like the feeling of getting cozy in a mountain of blankets with a cup of hot chocolate or tea. Hot drinks, bubble baths, scented candles, movie watching... these things are what make this chilly season worthwhile!

Winter Fashion
Yes, it's difficult to look cute when your hair is stuck to your lip gloss and your hat is sliding down your face. But winter is good for layering to keep warm as well as layering to be stylish. Bundle up and pile on those scarves!

Outdoor Activities
Stay active and fit by participating in some fun outdoors. Skating, skiing, snowboarding, even just a winter wonderland walk with your partner. It doesn't matter if you're not exactly the athletic type, the point is to get moving and avoid the sluggishness that comes along with days that are grey and bleak.

Get Away
To escape the bitter cold, book a vacation somewhere sunny for a week. Mexico, Miami, Vegas, whatever suits your fancy. Be sure you choose a destination that allows for fun in the sun and an action packed schedule. Plan your mini getaway with some friends and enjoy some time away where you can relax and recharge. If funding is low, take a weekend trip out of town that will at least give you a change of scenery.


Photo c/o Merrill Moskal

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
	Read More >>