Winter

"Winter is coming." Yeah, I know it's already here, but I couldn't help myself. To be quite honest I had completely forgotten there was still a season I hadn't completed yet and as I checked through my posts last night I discovered the absence. Since it's nearly been a whole month since winter started I figured waiting a little longer wouldn't hurt, but as I was running this morning, very briefly I might add, it started to snow and in honor of the first snow of this winter I decided it was time to blog about it. I hope you guys enjoy.

*Side note: Winter is my favorite season.

1. Snow. Of course, this is at the top of the list. It is snowing after all and snow is such a rare treat in Alabama that I can't help, but praise it some. There's so much about snow that brings joy. Free days where a lot of schools close up and even some jobs if the snow is severe enough. I know it seems unfair to our poor country men who live where it snows a lot, but these days are some of the greatest days we have because it gives us an excuse to relax and to just play in the snow. Go make a snowman, an igloo, throw a snowball at someone's face and don't worry about all the things you have to do because it doesn't matter today.

2. Hot chocolate. Snow's great, but it's also brutal. It's cold, and down here especially, wet and soggy. There's honestly nothing better than coming inside from playing in the snow and enjoying a hot, steaming cup of hot cocoa.

3. No insects or pesky vermin. Now, I value all life, but I can't deny that not having to walk outside and be maliciously attacked by swarms of hungry mosquitoes or having to worry if snakes lurk in the woods is pretty comforting. It's also nice to know that I won't be stung by an angry wasp. I hate wasps....

4. Christmas. Christmas is just great anyway. It doesn't matter if you get a lot of stuff or no stuff. What really matters is the food, right? Just kidding.

5. A reason to stay in bed and cuddle all day. "Baby, it's cold outside." Ha. I should stop. But I won't.

6. Sweaters. No, I don't have an obsession. Okay, maybe I do, but there's something so satisfying about layers and jackets of course. :D

7. Cold breaths. This last one's a little childish I admit, but it felt important. As a kid, it seemed the most amazing thing in the world to realize your breath was warmer than the cold night air. To pretend you were smoking (as uncool as it truly is). Now as I'm older, I still like the way my breath looks after a long bout of running and it makes my chest feel so much better than running in warm weather. When I breathe in the cold air I can feel my sinuses being cleared and I can feel the air actually run through me.