10 Things to Like About Winter - Even if You Hate Winter

Okay, so I've grown to hate winter over the years. Sure, I liked it when I was a child. I got to skip school, make snowmen and snow angels, have snowball fights with my brothers, and enjoy snow ice cream that my mom made for us.

Oh, and yes, I always dreamed of a white Christmas.

Since growing up, however, I have found snow to be inconvenient and ice to be dangerous, as I've had jobs where I had to show up regardless of how bad the weather was. I became really burned out with winter after the horrible ice storm of 2009. And I'm cold. I'm cold! From October to April, I'm just cold, miserable, and often depressed.

I'm trying to be more positive, as winter seems to be something that I'm going to always have to live with. Even if I escape to the warmer temperatures farther south, in havens such as Florida, I'll be exchanging my winters here for other weather events, such as potential hurricanes. Not sure I want to do that. I do like the town I live in.

With that said, what are some positive things about winter? I've been trying to look at the brighter side and have made a list.

Fireplaces are cool . . . er . . . hot . . . I mean. I do love a nice fireplace. They're warm, inviting and can sure throw the chill off a room. They're picturesque during the Christmas holidays with greenery on the mantle and stockings hanging.

A fireplace setting is wonderful for gatherings in the wintertime. Sipping on beverages with friends, sharing holiday cheer--a fireplace just adds to the ambience.

My gas fireplace is quite realistic-looking. I've found that the more lifelike ones don't give off as much heat, however. Mine seems to be mostly for looks. As much as I enjoy looking at it, I could probably run mine in the summertime and be just fine.

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As long as I have my six cats and furry dog, I will never freeze to death. When it's cold, they cuddle with each other . . . and with me. Four or five of them will make their way into the bed on a cold winter's night to snuggle up right next to me--by my legs, my side, and practically on my head. While it's annoying at times, it's warm. And comforting.

Cuddling with other special people to warm up can be fun, too. Hey, though, shouldn't we be cuddling year round?

I'll admit I love wearing hats, and summertime (my favorite season) isn't a good time for that. I've bought hats over the years, and I wear them from fall through winter and into spring, until my head just gets too hot for them.

I'm very cold-natured, so, besides the hat, I also wear gloves and scarves. I love to pair a scarf and gloves that go well with my hat when the weather is cold, or even cool. I do like wearing these (I have quite a collection), although I'm always ready when the time comes to put them away for a while. I feel cold all winter, so I work hard on how to dress warmly in cold weather.

I realize I've been giving reasons why the things I've mentioned can be enjoyed other times besides winter. That's not really fair, is it, when I'm trying to point out things to like about winter? Well, with the hats, gloves, and scarves--they really are a nice surprise when cold weather hits, since I haven't seen them all summer long.

I've made plenty of snowmen in my life--and made snow angels, too. Several years ago, my grown brothers and I made a football team of snowmen! We made a bunch of them, just to knock them down. We even put a plastic football helmet on one. Good times. It was the winter my niece was born, and my brothers and I lived close enough to walk to each other's houses. We got together on a snow day and had a great time.

I guess it has been longer than I thought, as my niece just turned 18!

I don't think I've made a snowman since then. For those with kids, or as adults in my family's case, making snowmen is a great way to enjoy the snow.

And don't forget snowball fights. Those can be fun, too.

Do you like ice skating? I sure do, at least watching it. I've tried ice skating myself a couple of times, and it's pretty fun too. But I'd rather watch it.

I don't think about doing this, but I could be watching ice skating every year--not just during the Winter Olympics. Seeing the sport during the Olympics is really the best, of course.

And what about snow skiing? I went once and spent more time on my butt than on the skis. I finally conquered the bunny hill, I think. Snow skiing just isn't my thing, but it is definitely something to look forward to for many people in the wintertime.

We've all heard the expression, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well, when life gives you snow, make snow ice cream. Yes, that's an original quotation, so I'll take credit for that one.

Have you ever had snow ice cream? My mom always made it when I was a kid, and I've made it a few times as an adult. It's pretty tasty.

There are four basic ingredients for snow ice cream:

• heavy cream, half and half, or milk (preferably whole or 2%)
• sugar
• vanilla flavoring
• freshly fallen snow (yes, real snow!)

Mix a bit of sugar (to taste) with the milk or cream before adding to a whole mixing bowlful of snow. Just add enough to desired taste and consistency.

I've always heard not to use the first snowfall because of impurities in it. I don't know if that's true or not. If you do use the first snow, I suggest just using the top layer of it after a lot has fallen--just to be safe.

Snow cream doesn't taste like real ice cream, of course, but it's a tasty treat.

And here are those warm meals for winter! All recipes I've made! Chili, soups, taco soups, and more warm comfort foods!

I remember the excitement of having a snow day as a child. Playing hooky from school, making a snowman, enjoying snow ice cream . . . Yeah, I remember those days.

You know what? Snow days are even better as a teacher. I've been in both places, so trust me on this one. Snow days for teachers are a nice break, a time to catch up on planning and grading--and maybe some rest. A teacher's work is never done, so having a free day is a welcomed treat.

And the best thing about winter is . . . (drumroll) . . . when it's over! I mean, come on, think about it. The sunshine finally coming through, fresh air, open windows. Being able to ditch that coat and take a walk around the neighborhood with the dog (who is also ready to get out).

No more oppression, no more desire to eat and sleep continually (at least, that's me). Time to be motivated and get a new lease on life. Awwww . . . .

And I hear the relief when spring comes all the time. Aren't even the so-called "winter lovers" a bit relieved and happy when spring finally comes?

Funny, I didn't even mention the holidays. Oh, well. That's enough for another article in itself, and not everyone gets into the holidays, as they can be tough times for a lot of people. So we'll just stick to these top ten simple pleasures.

All in all, even with my attempt at optimism, and my attempt to embrace things to like about winter, I am a warm weather fan! What about you?