It’s calm and quiet. It falls softly, patting on the ground, turning the environment into a pale blue. The wind whistles, making the slightest noise. I squish my boots over the thick compound of icy flakes. I watch the beauty that glides from the sky. My favorite thing about winter… snow.
Some people don’t like the cold. Some don’t like to shovel their driveway, put on boots and snow pants, and drive in sloppy conditions. I think it’s about perspective. Some people don’t appreciate the good things that snow brings to life.
When snow falls, a few flurries don’t affect much, but when snow drops, that can change the whole dynamic of the day. First off, there are some fantastic activities that can be done in the snow. One of these being the thrilling yet relaxing sport: skiing/snowboarding. Owen Roth, a Berkley student, said, “It allows you to enjoy a different part of the world.” For those who do it, it can be awesome. According to unnofficialnetworks.com, in 2024-2025, there were “61.5 million skier visits”, meaning snowboarding or skiing trips to resorts. If there is no snow, 61.5 million visits would be ruined. Other activities include sledding, snowball fights, and making snowmen. I personally love playing football in the snow. It helps friends bond and just have a good time. And let’s be honest, for students, there is nothing like the feeling of a snow day. Berkley student Jonah Sterling said he doesn’t like the snow, and “it limits [his] daily activity”. Not all opinions are the same, but he said that hearing the news of a snow day is like “knowing that you won the lottery”. On snow days, Sterling enjoys sleeping in, drinking some hot chocolate, and playing outside with friends, all because of this gift from the sky.
According to psychotherapy.org.uk, “A blanket of snow can actually make everything quieter.”
When the environment is quieter, it can calm the mind. A word I love to describe snow as, is peaceful. Embolden.World said, “Exposure to cold weather may actually boost your brain activity and focus.” Also, exposure to cold temperatures strengthens your immune system, helping you fight off viruses and infections.
A large knock on winter is seasonal depression. People feel trapped inside, with nothing but the grey sky to watch. But there is a different way to look at it. Here is an example. Since 2022, Denmark’s happiness has been ranked top two among all countries, reported by the World Population Review. Why are they so happy? A book written by a Danish author by Meik Wiking, talked about a Danish concept called Hygge. Hygge is a large part of Danish culture. In the book, he spoke on creating a comfortable environment, enjoying the small things in life, togetherness with friends and family, and being mindful about your life. Denmark experiences the cold and the snow just like Americans, but they can appreciate life even in the snow and frost. Some of the top five happiest countries in the world in 2024 (excluding Denmark) include Finland, Norway, and Sweden. A fact about these countries is that they also rank in the top ten coldest countries in the world, according to Worldatlas.com. If these countries can be happy in the cold, so can you. Winter and snow can be good and bad, all based on your mindset. These countries rank way above the United States in terms of happiness, and they experience double the cold temperature in certain places.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” a song by Andy Williams, is talking about Christmas time, which takes place in the winter. The holidays, a time of the year where families get together, and people get a break from everyday life. Besides, Christmas is best as a White Christmas: snow falling, and colorful lights on each house, there is nothing like it. It adds something truly special to the world.
I just hope that instead of looking at the struggles or pains of the upcoming winter, we should try to appreciate the quiet, the activities, and the beauty in the snow.
