My Love Affair With Winter

I know, I know… I talk about how much I love winter a lot. And I would apologize, but the thing is, I’m not that sorry about it. Because when we don’t get our first real snow in Iowa until mid-January, I don’t take any winter days for granted.

I understand winter isn’t everyone’s favorite season. The temperatures aren’t ideal and most dread snowy streets and having to wear heavy layers. Trust me, I realize I’m among the minority enjoying this. But I like to think my affection for winter goes beyond simple preferences. So keep reading and find out why I think I have a love affair with winter… I’m not just wearing this adorable fair isle sweater to prove it.

The most fond memories

First and foremost, I grew up loving the snow. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been getting dressed in warm layers simply to go play outside after a snowstorm. Growing up on a farm definitely has it’s perks when it comes to building snow forts and sledding. Dad would use the tractor to push all the snow gathered in the lane to one spot. Making an epic mound, we’d spend hours climbing, sledding and digging tunnels. And if dad wanted to join in on the fun, we’d hook the sled up behind the truck or four-wheeler and hold on for dear life. Back then it seemed like the snow was always the perfect amount of fluffy and as deep as I could stand tall.

After our fingers and toes were frozen or we finally exhausted of energy, we’d head back inside to shed the layers and wipe our running noses. Mom would make hot chocolate and we’d get the best night’s sleep. Just to hopefully do it all again the next day. I can still feel my cold cheeks and taste that warm hot chocolate when I think back on these memories. Snow days have always been my favorite.

Sometimes I feel like it’s part of my DNA

My brother and I both absolutely love winter and the snowy weather. Maybe it was solely his influence on me and the time we spent together outside, but I like to believe there’s a deeper purpose. We’re of Scandinavian descent and our great-great-grandfather was a champion ice-skater. He lived among the Norwegian fjords and skiing was a form of transportation before he came to America in the late 1800s. I understand not everyone believes family history and DNA is that important or has much to do with the person you become, but I sure do. When we adventured to Norway, I couldn’t help but feel a strong connection to the country and the land. Thinking about my ancestors watching winter set in and traveling to town the same way we spend an active winter weekend now gives me goosebumps.

It really doesn’t matter whether it’s the great memories, the family history or simply the fact that I also love winter sweaters. All that matters to me is I’m blessed to live in a place where I can still watch the snow fall and gather on the trees (I was doubting that for a while this year), and where I can cuddle under cozy blankets while the wind whistles outside. And yes, I also love that I can wear adorable boots and warm layers – because the simple things have always made me the most happy. Oh… well now, maybe that’s the real reason I love this season.

xoxo. B