Crunching through crusty snow. Swishing through light, powdery snow.
Watching the snow falling, whether I'm indoors or outside.
The scent of coming snow in the air. (You can smell it before it starts, same as with rain.)
Especially when it's mixed with the tang of wood smoke from fireplaces.
The many scents of wood smoke depending on what's burning. (Apple wood, cherry wood, pine, etc).
Winter sunrises and sunsets. And the clouds/cloud patterns you only see in winter.
The incredible shades of blue that skies only have in wintertime.
How the cold makes every star in the universe visible because there's no humidity to distort or diminish their glow.
Only in winter can you look up at the night sky and truly see eternity.
The northern lights. I don't often see them where I live, but when I do it's magical.
White nights where it's clear enough to see without a light because of how snow reflects even star shine.
The way snow transforms even mundane landscapes, making them magical and unique.
The wind-song you only hear when the trees have lost all their leaves.
The way the light catches ice crystals in the snow (and in the air during really cold weather) and makes them sparkle like billions of tiny diamonds.
Sitting by a crackling fireplace all warm and toasty watching the winter wonderland outside my windows.
Soaking in the hot tub out on the deck while the snow falls softly all around.
The way falling snow hushes everything, drowning out all noise but the soft swish of falling flakes.
The way sound carries further in the cold, clear air of wintertime.
Tracks in the snow left by a plethora wildlife you don't even realize is around you other times of the year.
Getting out of the city for weekends at the cabin, far from civilization and surrounded by nature.
I even (contrary to all rational sensibilities) love snow squalls and snow storms and the way the world closes down to just a few feet of visibility.
Especially really severe storms where the light turns pink and makes snowflakes look grey, not white.
Thundersnow. (It's a real thing I've experienced it many times in my life and travels).
Winter barbecuing. For whatever reason, BBQ just seem to taste better after standing around outside in the cold to cook it.
I like the uncertainty of winter. You never know what to expect, or how it'll force you to change plans. It breaks up routines and keeps you from slipping into the rut of same-old-thing, day-after-day monotony that defines most peoples' lives.
Snow days. I loved them as a kid. I still love them as an adult. And since I own my own business, I can call my employees and tell them it's better to stay safe and have fun at home because that's exactly what I'm planning on doing too.
How winter is special and unique, and makes you appreciate what's equally special and unique about all the other seasons of the year too.
The rebirth of nature in Springtime becomes more magical, the warmth of Summer more special, the colours of Autumn more stirring...
And the list goes on and on...
If it's not already obvious from all that, I'm Canadian. Winter is hardcoded into my DNA.
And the older I get, the more I love it. Which is contrary to most people, but that's just me I guess.
Everything apart from the slush. I don't think Americans will agree with me looking at the amount of snow they're getting over there at the moment.
I really try not to get emotionally involved with my seasons. They've left me so often in the past I'm wondering if it isn't my fault after all
Spring
The sunshine.
Having Sara take me for a walk in my new collar over to the snow filled dog park for a romp.
The snow away from the city...The cuddling moments by a fire etc..Skiing, ice skating & of course the holidays !
I love the fact that it ends.
-Snuggling up by the heater
-Wearing my furry boots
-sledging
etc... ;-)
