Zizi Sparks: How I'm learning to embrace winter

The snow is one of the parts of winter I can get behind. Photo / NZME

OPINION

Sometimes in winter, I feel like I'll never be warm again. I've already felt like that and winter has barely officially started. It's going to be a long three months.

Three months is a long time to be down in the dumps about the weather and the temperature and it isn't something I can change, so I'm learning to embrace winter.

I'm learning that winter weather means winter clothes and layers can be great. I actually quite enjoy putting on three or more layers when I go out because it means when I go back inside or get warm they are slowly peeled off. There's a sense of satisfaction to peeling off layers as your temperature rises.

Plus, more layers means more clothes. I've acquired a number of great quality coats from the local op shop and I love whipping one out on a cold morning.

Speaking of cold mornings, I'm learning to love crisp mornings. When the air is cold and the sky is clear it's just beautiful outside.

I'm learning to love the little things about winter. It makes me giggle when the dog runs so much he starts to steam in the cold. It's a bit satisfactory when you can see your own breath.

Even though I hate being cold, I love the feeling of warming up. It's satisfying when you can feel the heat returning to your fingers and toes. So I'm learning to be okay with being cold because it means I'll soon be warm.

Another small winter bonus I'm learning to love is late sunrises and early sunsets. The shorter daylight hours mean you are more likely to see the sky be a beautiful colour when driving to work or home. Winter sunrises and sunsets can be the best of the year.

Another little thing is the snow. While we aren't treated to snowfall here in the Bay of Plenty, there is always a sense of excitement when I see snow-capped mountains during road trips further south and even more excitement if actually making a trip to visit the mountains.

And how could I forget winter food? Hot soups, apple crumble, stews, slow-cooked meals. The list goes on. Food is definitely the best part about winter. I can worry about slimming down in a few months. For now, I'm loving warm comfort food.

While it's hard to embrace the cold of winter, there is plenty more to embrace about winter. This year I'm working on learning to love the season for what it is and the opportunities it brings.

Embracing winter is very different to embracing the cold though. I'd happily live in perpetual summer.