Only one more week until Christmas. What can
you get that will make them really happy? Is there anything to
buy that will be fun for more than just a few hours, or just a
few days? What would be the perfect gift for now, and the
future?
How about giving the "Joy of Winter?" Think
about it. Isn't "happiness" the goal of this season? Along with
health and wealth, happiness is right up there at the top of
things we wish for everyone in the New Year. Can joy be wrapped
up in a Christmas gift? Yes!
Happiness is being comfortable with whatever
comes our way. And in winter, a lot of what comes our way is
cold, and white. Truth be told, there are many of us who
delight in this turn of the season, and many who do not. I'm
hoping we can change that this winter - because it is far
better to be delighted then it is to be grumpy.
Since we can't change the weather, we'll just
have to change the way those unhappy folks think about it.
What's the point of living here in the glorious north if you
can't enjoy going outside for five months of the year?
Wrapping up the "Joy of Winter" to tuck under
the tree does not have to be difficult or expensive. Although
like with many things, having some money available does
help.
I believe that most of the folks who hate
winter do so because they don't know how to go out to enjoy it.
People who ski or skidoo or snowshoe are happy to hear a big
storm is coming. They will only be grumpy if winter is late.
People who skate love to see the cold, love to see the lakes
freeze over.
We look longingly down at Ramsey Lake as we
drive by on Paris Street - waiting for the day when the Skating
Path will be opened. People who enjoy walking are happy to
dress warmly in layers of sweaters and coats, toques and mitts,
and warm winter boots.
So what can you wrap up in a box to put under
the tree? Mitts, toques, long johns, fleecy sweaters, good warm
boots. Snowshoes!!! Winter fishing kits, augers, good warm
boots. Cross-country skis/boots/poles. Skates!!! Down jackets,
vests, woolly socks, snow pants and good warm boots.
Toboggans!!! Scarves, neckies, balaclavas,
earmuffs and good warm boots!!! Notice the emphasis on good
warm boots. It is hard to enjoy winter if your feet freeze
every time you step out the door.
Then there is one more thing, even more
important than the stuff you can buy, You need to be ready to
enjoy winter yourself! You need to take the time to go out
there with family and friends. It is a lot more fun to go out
together to build snow houses and tunnels, to skate and ski and
skidoo, slide down the hills and snowshoe through the forest.
Especially if you have kids. Dress them up warmly, and take
them out often. If you can give them the gift of enjoying
winter, it is a gift that will last their whole life
long.
Viki Mather lives by a lake near Sudbury.
