There aren’t many of my kind (the rare winter-loving kind) in these parts, which seems weird. It’s Wisconsin. Winter lasts at least five months. You’d think at some point Wisconsinites would get past the cold and snow and try to make the most of it. But mostly people spend the winter months miserable, cranky and complaining about the weather.
If lawmakers instated a new law declaring residents were required to stay inside, avoid other people and wait until spring to have fun, we’d be like “Hells no!” We’d resist, revolt, we’d protest. So why do most of us voluntarily imprison ourselves once the days get shorter and the snow starts to fall?
A Winter Experiment
The key to enjoying the cold winter months -once you’ve changed your outlook- is getting out and finding ways to enjoy it. I’m experimenting this winter with one (somewhat) willing victim friend. My enthusiasm (fanaticism?) for winter was either super contagious or she thinks I’ll shut up about winter if she gives it a try. Either way, she’s going to try to see winter in a different light this year. I have one winter to convince her she has the courage to change the things she can, i.e., make winter more enjoyable since it’s going to be here for five months.
I started my experiment at the On Broadway lighting ceremony a few weeks ago. It was in the 20s, snow was on the ground, and, of course, there was a little wind making things that much cooler. R and her son, B, were good sports. We started with pizza at Jake’s Pizza (rumor has it a full stomach helps keep you warm), bundled up and walked down Broadway to experience some Midwest Christmas traditions.
We sipped hot cocoa on a horse-drawn carriage ride, roasted marshmallows over an open fire, checked out the gingerbread house contest entries, and, of course, enjoyed the holiday lights and displays in local shop windows. It was the perfect start to an early winter. R reports she enjoyed it and the cold wasn’t too bad. Not bad for our first outing.
One Thing.
What’s the one thing you need to do this winter? Don’t just get through winter, make it fun. Man up. Change your attitude and embrace the season. Okay, that’s four things. The last three were a Christmas bonus.
Join the experiment. At least follow along with us this winter from the comfort of your computer screen. Need ideas to get started? Click through for Six Great Winter Outings in Northeast Wisconsin.
I don’t know…I think your friend may have been trying to be nice. When I was talking to said friend, I believed she told me that it was “flippin’ cold”. 🙂 Good luck though…you have a challenge in front of you. She has never liked even the littlest bit cold. 😉
Hmmm…I may have remembered a rosier version of events. We better move on to the next outing to be sure the first one wasn’t a fluke. C:
I love your attitude! Our family is bundling up for a campfire in the backyard this weekend to roast hot dogs and drink hot chocolate. Should be fun…