Dealing with the Snow and the Winter Blahs

As the holiday season ends each year, many of us in the Great White North turn away from the warmth of holiday cheer and look towards the cold, bleak winter months. Yes, snow is beautiful. And sure, there are more than enough outdoor activities to look forward to. But the fact remains that it's cold, damp, and wet and those shortened days limit the time we spend out and about. It's enough to make the most emotionally healthy person begin to go a little stir crazy, waiting for spring. And for those affected by SAD, Seasonal Affect Disorder, the winter months are even harder.

After living in snowy winters my whole life, I have learned to find ways to cope and even enjoy the season so that instead of counting the days until spring and summer, I can actually enjoy winter for what it is.

Be prepared. It's cold. It snows. It's wet. And nothing is more miserable that being caught unawares without your boots and mittens. As soon as the winter merchandise appears in the stores, stock up. Walking in a winter wonderland is actually comfortable and fun when you have warm and cozy snowboots, a toasty coat, mittens, scarves and hats. The feeling of snowflakes landing on your face becomes tickly and magic instead of another reminder of your frozen toes. Keep extra winter gear in your car for emergencies or those afternoons that start out sunny and dry and end up with four inches of snow.

Plan seasonal menus. Winter is the time for chili, stew, pot roast and soups. Stock up on frozen bread dough and soup kits and take a little time in the morning to let the dough rise and the soup simmer in the crock pot. Keep plenty of cocoa, whipped cream and marshmallows for the times you come inside from the cold and need a sweet and hot pick me up. Pull out all the casserole recipes you love and plan to make them. Set a tradition of doing a roast, turkey, ham or other large Sunday meal. The oven will heat up the house and you can sit down to a hearty family dinner with leftovers for the whole week.

Treat yourself. Winter means sweaters, turtlenecks and boots. Treat yourself to some winter fashion you look forward to wearing. Splurge on a cashmere scarf. Take home that fantastic Irish sweater. Pick out some butter soft leather gloves. Winter clothing doesn't have to be boring and utilitarian. Make it colorful, luxurious and fun!

Look forward. Plan activities to look forward to. When January is stretching out with days that look the same, plan a party for family and friends, book a long weekend getaway in a hotel where you can do some swimming, or find a play or show to attend in the nearest large city. October through December are full of activities and fun things to look forward to. January? Not so much. Make up a few of your own and before you know it, it's time for Valentine's Day or St Patrick's Day. And then right around the corner is spring.

Winter is truly a beautiful season when the snow falls and the ski and sled hills open up. There is much to appreciate about the first season of the new year, and keeping a few strategies in mind can help accentuate the positive.