Maria Kayama
Although most students suggest that they prefer summer more than the winter, our inner-self still paints winter more beautifully than we could ever imagine. A way of how snow covers the entire land, and with laughers swarming the atmosphere– while holding a hot chocolate on one hand, and gazing at the trees covered in snow.
But as soon as winter approaches, our expectations in winter are immediately sabotaged from the sudden transition to low temperatures, cold winds, and the flu. However, seasons should not consist of ones to avoid, and ones to enjoy more in, like winter and summer per se. Instead, every second of every season should be experienced in its individuality, as each is temporary.
Here are a few ideas that I personally feel would make this winter less dreadful, and in fact, more enjoyable and memorable.
#1 DO WHAT YOU WOULD IN THE SUMMER
Although going to the pool during the cold winter may not sound ideal, doing activities you would do during the summer would break the barrier of “season-appropriate” activities. For instance, going to the beach may be viewed as a “summer-like” activity, but there is so much to do at the beach other than swimming– such as taking photos, getting take-out food and having a picnic, or even just sitting there watching the sunset. Other than that, you could also volunteer for beach-cleaning which could make the experience of visiting the beach much more meaningful. Also, in terms of making memories, you could go ice-skating which is always a fun experience– but unlike going to the beaches, ice-skating is only exclusive to the cold weather, so, that would be something to look forward to.
#2 STAYING COMFORTABLE INDOORS
If it is unbearably cold outside, staying indoors is a better option. You could take a nap, or watch movies/shows as one does, or, you could do better activities which are more productive, and enjoyable. If you are an avid coffee/tea drinker, you could customize your own drink by using a few products: milk (soy, almond, regular), caramel syrup, whip cream, cinnamon, crushed almonds, tea/coffee of your choice, and honey. Not only will that save you money, but it will save you from the freezing trip from your house to the nearest coffee shop. Or, you could just walk to any other coffee shop and try their exclusive seasonal drinks which always taste the best out of the entire drink menu. Having a warm drink in your hand during the winter differs from having it during any other season– a very relaxed rejuvenated feeling that can only be felt in winter. With your warm cup of drink, you could read a book, paint/draw, study, or reflect on your current life– on what you are grateful for, and your goals. Maybe you would write about the beauty of winter– who knows.