Do you miss the snow in winter? Or have you got used to Christmas in the mud?
When I look back to my childhood, I have a clear image of winter: a hill behind the house, sleds, snowball fights, and snowmen. And today? Winters are more about rain, fog, and the feeling that an autumn coat would be more appropriate than proper winter boots. I know that's not true in general, and even nowadays winter can still make itself known, but it's just not what it used to be.
When the white fairy tale is lost
The sight of a freshly snow-covered landscape indeed has its own charm. The snow falls silently, everything looks like a fairy tale and the world seems quieter for a while. Mornings like this, when you wake up and the world is white, are rare. We miss the snow because it brought us a magical feeling - the true winter atmosphere.
And what about Christmas? The idea of opening presents while looking out on a snowy garden sounds like a dream. But the reality is often different - the rain is drumming on the window, we build mudmen instead of snowmen, and the kids have to wait for the snow until we go to the mountains.
Have we got used to the change?
On the other hand - who among us has complained in recent years about shoveling snow in front of the house or scraping a frozen car? Maybe we've accepted that winter just isn't what it used to be, and we've adapted. Instead of snowball fights with the kids, we pull out our rubber boots and go into the woods to collect pine cones.
And the truth is, when the snow falls, it often turns to slush, making traffic difficult and causing more stress than joy. Maybe that's why some of us think of winters without snow as the lesser of two evils.
What are we really missing?
But is it just about the snow? Maybe it's more like we miss the sense of peace and joy that winter used to bring. The slowdown, when nature rested and we had the opportunity to recharge. Instead, December is full of hustle and bustle, deadlines and stress that has nothing to do with the romance of snowflakes.
Maybe if we could slow down and take time for the little things, it would bring us a similar joy as the snowy winters of yore.
Do we miss the snow?
Maybe yes, maybe no. Some people actually like it. But what I think we definitely miss is the ability to slow down in the winter, as we should. And even if winter isn't white, it can still be beautiful if we make it so. And who knows - maybe next year nature will surprise us and we'll be building snowmen and sledding down hills again.
Until then? Better have a cup of hot cocoa and try to find the magic even in the grey winter reality. 😊
A few tips for the end...
Even if the snow doesn't come, we can create our own winter fairy tale:
- Light some candles and watch fairy tales that remind you of childhood joy.
- Pull out your winter coats and go for a frosty walk - yes, even without snow, nature has its magic in winter.
- Recall the games from your childhood - like board games or dominoes - that you used to spend long winter evenings playing.
How do you create a Christmas or winter atmosphere?
