What is winter? 

Is it the crunch of snow underneath your boots as you trekked through the snowy paths? Or is it the aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate all warmed up into the concoction of hot chocolate as you sit next to a crackling red-orange fire. Maybe it is wearing soft, woolen mittens and scarves. Or, dining and playing games with family and friends. 

I live in Texas, so for me, I prefer winter to fall. That is when the weather drops to the fifties and is no longer in the 80s or above. 

I did not always live in Texas though. I spent some of my more formative years in the US West which solidified a love affair with mountains and snow. A love affair that I still long for each and every year. So much that I have an annual viewing of White Christmas and dream along with Bing and Danny for my very own white Christmas.  

But winter can be hard, right?  

One term that tends to trend during the winter season is SAD, or Seasonal Adverse Disorder. The idea that you get depression in the wintering months. I have never been clinically diagnosed with SAD and I don’t think I have SAD. However, I do get wistful during the wintering months. Don’t get me wrong, I love winter and the music and the cinnamon-y and pine smells, but I am a person prone to nostalgia. 

In college, when I lived in a tiny one-bedroom apartment with a close friend, I missed not being able to decorate my family’s Christmas tree. I have sweet memories of my father, brothers, and I piling into the minivan to pick out one of the many snow-covered Christmas trees (I know, very Hallmark) as my mom stayed home to dig out the ornaments and get snacks ready.  

Even now, I am at my local coffee shop. I am delighted to see all the winter decorations. There’s garland and lights wrapped around the loft’s railing, downstairs there are decorated trees, wreaths, and more white lights. It gives a simple charm. It gives me excitement to look forward to seeing my family. 

But then I remember the ones I won’t see. I remember the people who are no longer here and the traditions that ended with them. Then it’s easy to fall into a slump.  

I don’t know if that is what SAD feels like. I cannot begin to imagine how it might feel nor am I trying to compare. The main point is how sentimentality and nostalgia feels like that to me. I am happy for the holidays and the winter, but then I get nostalgic and miss the past. So when I start to feel sentimental or nostalgic for the “good ole days,” I try to do something in response. I lean into that feeling and do something that would help the nostalgia. 

It could be getting out of the house and looking at Christmas lights (with hot chocolate in a thermos). 

It could be watching a Hallmark Christmas movie (and making predictions of what trope it is going to be). 

It could be setting out two bowls and making a “Christmas Bowl” with all of my ornaments in my cramped apartment to getting a Christmas tree when I first moved into my own space. But each time doing it, having my own snacks and drinks as I listen to Christmas music and decorate.  

It could be writing poetry of former traditions or of loved ones. 

It can be anything. Winter gets overshadowed with holidays, which can make it hard to focus on yourself because you are constantly thinking of what food to make, where to gather for the holidays, but you are still important. 

PS, This part was added later – This winter (whether you get nostalgic or sad or none of the above), I challenge you to pick an activity or something you enjoy doing. It can be a winter activity or just a hobby. Do you have it? Okay, good. Do it this winter. Set aside intentional time where it’s just you and that activity, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate (I really want hot chocolate now…), and enjoy yourself. Don’t burn yourself out before the holidays arrive. Holidays are one day and you should enjoy the actual day, instead of being so exhausted because of the preparations.

Please tell me what activity you’re going to do. I think I mine is to write a poem each day. 

Elizabeth