Source: Le Penseur at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor courtesy of Wikipedia, author Yair-haklai
Winter has settled in. The holiday decorations are down, packed and stored. It’s amazing how much faster they go down than they went up. It’s also amazing how dusty they get.
There is a sadness about it yet I am glad to see it go. It’s back to normal.
The trappings are gone. At Starbucks, my mocha came in a white cup this morning although some of the seasonal flavors are lingering. (Note to Starbucks: Please hold onto that Chestnut Praline! It’s a winner!)
We put the grills in the windows and a tablecloth is on the kitchen table. The house looks warmer with the details. These will last until it gets warm outside.
I prefer our summer look with naked windows, glass tabletops, doors hanging open and sounds of birds mating (which causes the cats to cackle).
Would it be as wonderful if it was summer all year? Do I relish it more because it’s change? Am I sick of all the heavy clothes? Do I need change?
The new year is a new start. Fresh. Inviting. Invigorating. Oh yes, cold.
Winter has more “markers.” We celebrate anything and everything.
We celebrate Groundhog Day. (Really? A sleeping rodent? Are we that desperate?)
Then Presidents’ Day, donut day and Mardi Gras, all in fast progression. We live far from New Orleans or anything French but we get our donuts and beads!
You don’t need to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and we do.
The Easter holiday brings a long weekend with egg hunts and fresh spring clothes and Easter lilies. I just love Easter lilies!
We share Passover at a Seder with friends.
We celebrate the spring equinox in all its glory, taking in the tulips and bright spring flowers. You have to smile when you see daffodils, hyacinths and pansies peeking out at you defying that cold winter and snow cover that kept them down.
We latch onto each holiday with vigor, squeezing every ounce of joy out of it (and inventing a reason for a toast or two).
I wonder if our friends down under celebrate as vigorously in this their “summer season.”
During the summer I don’t need many holidays because every day is a holiday.
Right now I’m thinking it is 76 days until spring! Yay!
Views and Mews by Coffee Kat 
I want to believe it’s only 76 days (or fewer now), but Wisconsin’s idea of spring and my idea of spring rarely agree. We have a lot of cold springs around here. I think maybe mid-May I can believe we will have spring. 🙂
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We have some cold springs too but the good news for us is that there won’t be horrendous snow storms.
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It is nice to get back to normal after the holidays. So far, winter is kinda nice. (It was in the fifties in Seattle today.) But by the time we get to St. Paddy’s Day, I’ll be more than ready for spring.
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It won’t take that long for me. We are having a snowstorm today (small one) and I am so done with it all. You live in one of those areas that I was always curious about. Does it really rain all the time?
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Winter is our rainiest time. It doesn’t that rain much here; it sprinkles a lot. But because we get our weather from the ocean, we have lots of cloudy days. Our average yearly rainfall is 36.2 inches, less than Washington, DC, and New York City.
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Sounds pleasant enough as long as the winters aren’t cold.
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I like all the seasons but winter does seem to be a bit longer than necessary. .
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Two weeks would be enough for me!
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I’m ok with 4 to 6 weeks as long as it isn’t super cold.
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Anything below 60 is super cold to me.
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Each day we’re gaining a little daylight…something nice to think about as we head into the long months of winter. I do like when things get back to normal after the holidays and I once again get into my routine. I’m with you on the countdown until spring, Kate!
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I keep saying, “but the days are getting longer….”
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January is always so long and cold. As much as I enjoy the seasons, I could do with less winter and more Spring.
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Less winter would be good!
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I hope Starbucks keeps your Chestnut Praline on tap.
Next Thursday, it’s going to be 53 degrees down here. That’s cold enough for me. Today, in contrast, it’s in the low 80’s and I love it. I don’t miss the winter season a bit.
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80’s? Let me rethink this….I love 80’s.
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When we lived in New York, I didn’t think anyone could love Spring more than a Northerner. The green greens, the blooming flowers, walks in the park without a slippery, icy path. As for all those holidays, we still celebrate them with gusto. Good times. Kate, I wish you all the best this year, plus an early Spring. 😉
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Spring brings with it another renewal but this one of green life. What’s not to enjoy! Even in sunny Florida!
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I have had enough cold weather already, Kate, and it has not been that bad compared to North Texas. Christmas decorations are put away and there are Valentines in the stores. Easter bunnies will be next. Good post! I think I can make it until the next warm spell!
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OMG! Valentines! Wow!
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In the part of Australia we once called home we had the big three, which also happened to contain our “Super-Two”. They were all within a month, and all in summer. We begin with Christmas which is followed by the “super-two”, New Year’s Eve then Australia Day (January 26). It’s then all-over-red-rover, sadly nothing significant over the winter months like here. Have to admit, I rather like having the holiday-markers on the calendar although am embarrassed to admit I treat them rather like family, only recognizing those I like!! 😉
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You need holidays in the winter to give you an excuse to party. We do have some in the summer but like you, I rarely do anything special unless it suits me.
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I actually like having the four seasons. I love the crisp air in the mornings in the winter, which, as long as I am bundled up like the Michelin Man, are really lovely and peaceful. Nobody is out. Spring is my favorite, though, as I really love seeing life pop up. When I lived in New England, and when I go there for extended periods now, I loved the summer. The heat/humidity in Northern VA is oppressive, and air conditioning never really feels natural. And fall is so beautiful.
I wouldn’t be able to live somewhere without seasons.
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There is something to be said for that. I would like a shorter winter though. I love warm summer mornings when no one is out yet. No school buses clogging the streets. Starbucks is peaceful. Yes!
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I like the way we wrap things up and without regret. We might think we want the Christmas Holiday to last forever, but it is a relief to have it over and done with. We know what is coming next and next and will be celebrating in the same enthusiastic way. But there is comfort in routine. 🙂 It’s not too early to wish you a “Happy Spring!”
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How I envy your beautiful way with words.
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Thanks!
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And the evenings are already 10 minutes longer!
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YES! I keep reminding my husband that the days are getting longer.
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Oh man, I feel the same way! Even though it doesn’t get terribly cold (usually) where I live, I long for spring and summer. I can’t tell you how excited I get when Target gets their summer stuff in. I don’t know why, but for some reason, when I see their display of outdoor furniture, I know it can’t be too far away. 76 days and counting!
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My husband is the same way with Home Depot. One day we will go there and the snow blowers are gone. In it’s place are gas grills and lawn mowers. He gets so giddy he dances through the store (it’s downright embarrassing!)
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