When it comes to seasons, some people think of sunshine, tropical holidays, and relaxing on the beach, even saying “summer is too short!” But some others are drawn to the cold instead. They are drawn to autumn, and especially winter, and they have plenty of good reasons for loving the chill.

The world is a beautiful place, and I believe there is beauty in everything and anything. As someone who loves nature and cold weather, I find so many reasons that make winter feel different.

When the Room Smelled Like Tangerines

Winter brings some nostalgic moments with a particular scent that might ring a bell for Millennials. We used to place tangerine peels on the heater, and the citrusy aroma would slowly fill the room.

That Time of Year When Jackets Came Out

We all appreciate the years we spent at school, at least most grown-ups do! There’s something about the cold that brings back those early “back to school” mornings, when the air got crisper each day, and one morning you’d suddenly need a jacket.

The Warmth Hidden in Cold Moments

Cold is often tied to emotions and memories. We’ve all had that moment when someone offers us an extra jacket, and even if they’re cold themselves, somehow it ends up on our shoulders.

There’s a part in A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz that stuck with me:

“She wanted to travel the world; she wanted to make love in an igloo.”

And I believe he couldn’t have emphasized making love more clearly than by bringing up ‘an igloo’ as a symbol of coldness.

The First Snow

You might’ve heard people mention the first snow of the year! It’s pure magic and hard to ignore, even for summer lovers.

There is something about the snowflakes falling from the sky, and I bet the moment you see that first snow, you hope that the ground gets completely covered. And then, you can’t resist wearing gloves, a hat, a scarf, boots, and a jacket, and heading out for a walk. You just become all ears to hear the crunch of fresh snow under your feet. That’s the kind of magic I’m talking about. Even someone who loves summer probably wouldn’t want to miss such a rare moment.

I’d like to say that seeing the emoji-like shape of a snowflake on dark clothes, when it appears just for a few seconds, is another rare opportunity to catch a small piece of beauty.

What You Only See When It’s Cold

Sometimes there’s wind and the falling leaves dance around; other times, you hear thunderstorms. Sometimes the sky is clear but gray, and other times you see cumulus clouds and feel the urge to reach out and touch that puff. Sometimes it rains, and sometimes it snows, or even hails. And every now and then, there’s a mysterious fog.

Meanwhile, you get to enjoy mild sunlight that warms your skin without the burn. This variety lets you appreciate the world around you.

If you’re in a mountainous area, you might even see tall peaks covered in snow. And if you challenge yourself to climb on a cloudy day, you’ll see the shadows of cumulus clouds on the ground, far below where you’re standing.

When Trees Speak Without Leaves

The green color comes from nature, and it’s undoubtedly gorgeous! But have you ever looked at bare tree branches and paused for a moment? It’s so deep to look at those twists and curls! The magic is that the trees are still alive!

The Look and Feel of Cold

When people wear winter clothes and keep their hands in their pockets, walking a bit faster than usual to stay warm, the moment they talk and steam comes out of their mouths, and that moment is another level of beauty!

Needless to say, winter beauty takes on a different meaning when you’re bundled up in layers. It doesn’t have to be a fancy trench coat to feel that cozy kind of style and warmth.

Listening to Winter’s Voice

Winter isn’t just a season; it’s an experience, a feeling, a reminder of the world around us. Every snowfall, every breath of cold air outside, is a chance to appreciate what we have.

Sadly, as time goes by, the concern of global warming is becoming more serious. We all remember when winters were colder, with longer nights and heavier snowfalls. Now, those crisp, frosty mornings feel rarer, and the patterns we once took for granted are shifting. It makes me wonder how much longer we’ll still have these simple, cold moments before they start to change even more.

It’s up to us to keep the story of winter alive, even as the world changes. Maybe if we listen a little closer to the voice of winter, we can find a way to protect its beauty for the seasons to come.