The seasons are so fascinating to me; how they come in the same order every year patiently waiting to grace us with their presence. Each one has its own personality. Yet spring, summer, fall nor winter ever fail to surprise me with their wide range of temperatures. I have to admit though, winter happens to be my favorite. The first winter morning is the best; it sets the tone for the next 3 months of our lives. As I step outside to take a walk, the temperature feels like its dropping twenty degrees every second. The brisk wind hits my body, numbing my fingers and toes.
My ears start to freeze and my nose gets runny; it feels like icicles are forming at the tip. It’s so quiet; not a child playing or a bird chirping. The grass and bushes are covered in frost blankets and the trees stand naked, waiting for spring to come and return their clothes. The sun is shining bright yet you don’t get to feel its rays, it’s like a huge light bulb in the sky shining light on our path. The streets are foggy and lonely, but I am not alone for the wind whispers and sings to me keeping me company.
Although the winter mornings are full of surprises, the winter sporting events are even more exciting. I don’t know what it is, but no one shows more school spirit during any other season like they do in the winter. The baseball, softball, and especially basketball games are normally packed to capacity with people. I have to admit, the student sections are the best to watch. Bundled up in their coats and boots, they cheer for their favorite players and scream at the opposing team. Their faces full of fear and excitement all at once.
While half of them watch the score board, the other half watches the net or the plates. I think the parents might have the student section beat though. When I see a parent stand up yelling at his/her child I see all the dedication, the devoted time and belief they have, yet not only in their child but in the team as well. When those last few seconds are among them, the crowd gets butterflies in their stomachs. Doubt sets in and their bodies tense up as they send their prayers up hoping blessings will fall on them.
I believe those last few seconds leading up to a win are the best; for those few seconds everything else is forgotten. It’s nothing like watching these games with loved ones during the holidays. There isn’t a more joyous time, than the winter holidays with family and friends. Homes are filled with people and the people fill the homes with laughter and love. Everyone comes to grandma’s house to sit around the fire to fellowship, exchange laughs, play games, and participate in good ole’ family fun.
The food is undeniably delicious; we feast on honey glazed ham, fluffy rolls, dressing with cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, three different turkeys, dumplings, creamed corn, Marconi and cheese, cabbages, and greens. Before the decadent desserts are brought out, everyone is already full as a tick. They light the Yankee Candles, giving off the sweet aroma of apple cinnamon. As I sit and watch all the people enjoying themselves, my body is filled with self worth and my heart is filled with love, joy and compassion because I realize everyone in the room has the same burning flame inside of them that I just lit inside myself.
The feelings captured on these winter holidays are unexplainable and cannot be compared to. Winter has so much meaning and excitement bottled up in one season; I believe that’s why I find it to be my favorite. The seasons come and go; spring with its flowers and color, summer with its dry heat and fun, fall with its leaves and rakes, and winter with its snow and boots. Each season carries a different story to be told. Waiting for fall to pass; I will see what winter has in store for me this year.
