It is a season I dread. The colder temps chill me to the bone and winter driving is something I avoid at all costs. But here in Canada, especially Northwestern Ontario, winter is unavoidable. We have four seasons, even though the magnet on my fridge divides them into two: winter and bugs.
Canadians are known for winter – it’s almost a source of pride when we talk about the weather with anyone who doesn’t live in our area. Sometimes it almost becomes a game of one-upmanship. For example, I scoff (politely, of course) at the feeble attempts of friends in Southern Ontario who post a picture of their outdoor thermometer. Mine is always colder. If it’s not, I might tell them how we’re living in the tropics up here.
But deep down, I shudder when I hear “wind chill” on the radio weather update. When the cold hits, and stays, I’m not a cheery person. Quite the opposite. But really, if we have colder weather half of the year, it’s not healthy to be grumpy about it so I have to figure out a way to enjoy our colder, shorter days.
Yesterday, I wrote on the back of two little watercolour paintings I made into postcards. (I love snail mail. Getting a real letter in the mail has always excited me, and sending letters makes me equally as happy because I hope the other person gets excited too)
Then I chose to sit down and begin another little painting. I scrolled through my saved posts and pictures, found a beautiful photo taken by Blair Wright, and got my supplies ready. I’m beginning to love this ritual, which usually includes lighting a candle and pouring a cup of tea or a glass of wine.
As the light began to fade, I chose to keep painting. I couldn’t see the details as well and I began to question some of the colours I mixed but it didn’t matter. It felt wonderful. The candlelight provided a soothing glow and there was a spark of excitement in this little bit of risk-taking.
This morning, I got a better look at the final product and took it outside just because the fall colours would contrast with our leafless backyard.
I love it.
For so many reasons. The scene depicts Ouimet Canyon, which is in Dorion – my home town. I love the mix of fall colours and the strong contrast of shadows only seen on very sunny days. And of course, I love it because it was so fun to make. It holds a memory of a beautiful, calm evening sitting at my table, painting by candlelight.
It makes me wonder if this might be one way to make happiness in winter. Not find happiness, but make happiness.
I pulled out my copy of The Little Book of Hygge, which seems like the healthiest way to welcome the winter season. It’s also a good time to stock up on candles and cozy socks and sweaters.
Next step: finding a way to get outside in the winter and enjoy it.
How do you make happiness in the winter?
xo
.
.
Northern Art Teacher 
Winter isn’t the happiest of seasons for me but I do my best to look at the positive side of things. Next Saturday, the lights go on in our Navy Yard Park and we make daily trips to view things; it really is an uplifting experience. Sadly, they don’t keep the lights on until Spring! January and February are pretty grim. I try my best to remain positive. It is difficult.
I Googled Amherstburg’s Navy Yard to get a sense of what it might look like. I couldn’t find pictures of their lights yet but I’ll keep looking because it sounds really nice. There’s a place in Duluth called Bentleyville that has a beautiful light display you can walk through – we went there when the kids were quite young and enjoyed it so much. I wonder if it’s similar to your Navy Yard?
It is too bad that they don’t keep it on through the tougher months of winter because I agree with you – January and February are very challenging to get through. I might have to get my geek on and make a little calendar to plan some things to tackle the season head-on.
I will admit that I love the winter. I ride my bike almost year round- as long as the roads have been cleared. I even have a pair of battery powered heated gloves. For me, being warm is key. When I cross-country ski or ride my bike, I have layers to wear. There is very little I like more than being outside on a blue sky, frigid day, and then coming inside to eat well, cuddle up and create – knitting or spinning, with a cup of tea or hot chocolate.
Battery-powered heated gloves??!! I need those! And battery-powered heated socks. And a sleeping bag I can walk around in.
Being warm is the very thing that keeps me from enjoying the winter and I’m going to have to push past my Scrooge-like tendencies and actually invest in stuff that will pay off in the long run. I’ll start a list of items to look for, starting with heated mittens or gloves. Any recommendations of brands, stores, etc.?
Lee Valley, in their Christmas gift catalog this year (which is some of my favourite reading) has rechargeable handwarmers to slip into your gloves. They look like a slim power source.
Layers are the key. Merino long John top and bottom (I get mine at Costco). I have a pair of Salomon ski pants (they have an extra wind resistant layer on the front) . I layer up on top with performance long sleeved tees I have thrifted or merino again . A performance fabric zip hoodie and then an old MEC windbreaker. As the temp drops, the top layer will switch to a midweight down puffy coat (vintage MEC) , and for frigid yard duty days, a full on Michelin man MEC puffy. Head right now is a balaclava and toque, both from Costco, because they’ll fit under my bike helmet, but I will also use knitted cowls, scarves and hats. Super warm socks and 3 different temperature ranges of boots. You have to keep moving, no matter what you’re doing.
If you check my photo albums on Facebook or the Amherstburg Navy Yard group on Facebook, you’ll see a small selection of what is there. I’ll have the camera going once the lights are activated this year. They have added displays from year to year with the young-ish lights now on display at Toddy Jones Park.