As winter approaches, it brings with it cold temperatures, sparkling snow and important unifying traditions. Regardless of how one celebrates the winter months, the common theme of togetherness remains a staple of the season. From winter’s calming atmosphere to fun annual activities, harmony shines through and truly captures the joy of this frosty time of year.
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home,” British poet Edith Sitwell said.
The winter months allow for an experience characterized by comfortable nostalgia and the creation of memories.
The Feel of the Frost
The reasoning behind the calming and peaceful atmosphere of winter is a feeling shared by many in the community. However, the reasoning
behind these feelings often differs depending on the individual.
The environmental appearance during the chillier months of the year lends winter to be regarded as a season of comfort.
“I love the snow and the lights during wintertime,” senior Riley Kluck said. “The ambiance is very pretty and nostalgic.”
The mood many people experience when the weather turns cold can often be attributed to the perceived inherent beauty of the winter forecasts. The appearance of a freshly fallen bed of snow and the soft glow of a winter sunset often help craft this perception of beauty.
“I love the snow during the winter months,” junior Aiden Shackleton said. “It makes me happy.”
While the feeling of snow and jolly decorations encapsulate the setting of winter, for some, true winter ambiance comes from seeing the joy of others.
“Seeing my whole family for the holidays always means a lot to me,” junior Emma Hornyak said. “I love how happy and joyous everyone is.”
The beauties of winter are widely appreciated, and many consider the best part to be unifying with loved ones. Whether it be the glittering atmosphere, the fluffy fresh snow or the free time to hang out with others, the feel of the frost helps build unforgettable memories.
Fun in the Flurries
With the welcoming of winter, communities also welcome many fun seasonal activities that bring people together. Whether it be sledding, baking or creating gingerbread houses, winter brings with it a substantial number of diverse experiences.
For many residents of Crown Point, the annual opening of the ice skating rink is an important event that is a key part of their winter experience, and widely regarded as a staple of the community.
“I love ice skating at the Crown Point rink,” junior Josephine Knezevic said. “I get to hang out with my friends and do what I love to do.”
Traditions are the backbone of the winter season, regardless of who they are shared with. These memories act as the building blocks of the holiday nostalgia many experience this time of year.
“Every year, my family and I pick a weekend and go to Christkindlmarket in Chicago,” Knezevic said. “We also go see the big bean and watch Christmas movies afterward.”
Family traditions are also recognized as an integral part of the winter months. The opportunity to bond with relatives one may not talk to on a day-to-day basis allows for the unifying aspect of these months to shine through.
“My grandma and I make cookies every winter, which is super fun and just a beautiful part of the holidays,” senior Sophie Wake said.
While partaking in fun in the flurries of winter are highlights of the season to some, the unifying nature of the winter season is what truly facilitates happiness in these cold months.
One Season, One Spirit
While winter may bring a distinct chill, hearts are warmed by the opportunity to bond with loved ones. Although winter may feel like it is trapping one inside, these indoor experiences are what allow for the opportunity to communicate with normally busy family members. The memories built during this typically indoor season allow for the creation of the fond feeling surrounding snow days, winter movies and staple hot cocoa.
The togetherness of families is apparent during the winter months. For some, a simple meal with family is a highlight of the season.
“During winter, I go to my grandma’s house and eat her homemade pasta,” freshman Gianna Ferrarini said.
The memories made with family during the winter months can be remembered with love for years to come. The ability to not only build stronger relationships with those one loves, but also the opportunity to truly get to know other people is an integral part of appreciating the winter months.
“When I was younger and my siblings still lived in the home, we would all make gingerbread houses together and watch movies,” senior Jeffrey Fisher said.
The winter season is characterized by brisk weather and warm memories. Whether it be the ambiance of the season, the traditions one has, or the unity that brings communities together, winter is threaded with a certain chilly magic that brings many people joy. The bonds that people share as the snow falls and the icicles form are what truly allow for one season and one spirit of beauty and togetherness.
