The sun droops low on the horizon, flashing its rays above the silhouette of mountains–painting a beautiful background for the stars that loiter in the sky. The cold, sweet air fills your lungs, an icy chill settles on your cheeks. The cool weather of this new day can be unkind, but you’ve prepared ahead of time by wearing your favorite wool-knit sweater that smells of fresh cherries. Orange leaves gracefully fall from their trees to the pavement and the aroma of frost and foggy air mix together in the morning light. The season of fall has fallen and in its place is the best season: winter.

The scene above is a very romanticized scenario of winter that, unfortunately, is not likely to manifest in Southern California. Here, the “icy” mornings only last until noon and the closest Southern California has gotten to having snow would be the frost in the morning. 

Even so, anyone can agree that with the early sunsets our bodies naturally want to get more sleep.

Winter reminds us to ground ourselves. You adjust your sleeping schedule to fit the sun’s setting times which has an overall positive effect on your disposition throughout the day and your ability to conduct more intelligent and compassionate thoughts.

With all the spare time you can gain from being more productive, winter makes you sit down with yourself and re-evaluate your goals. Am I happy with where I am right now? What am I satisfied with and what do I want to change? Winter enhances the overshadowed things in everyday life, like sleep, and propels you to be a better version of yourself.

Winter cynics are quick to complain about the season’s harsh temperatures, but there is no denying the coolness of winter makes warmth all the more satisfying. The pleasure of drifting to sleep in several layers of soft covers, that delicately descend you into the realm of dreams, is heavenly. The sun in the morning rising slowly, not rushed, brings an unspoken peace within you that can only take shape in winter.

The chaos of the day is brought to rest with winter. To me, there is no better thing than taking a nap to rejuvenate myself after a long day of school and then curling into a fluffy blanket, drinking the best remedy against the chilly season – hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Winter is the epitome of saving the best for last. You get days off over the holidays to cherish old memories and form new ones with your loved ones. The past is wrapped into a lovely present, where you can receive it in Christmas or Hanukkah. During these two well-loved holidays, everybody comes together to show their love for each other. The beauty of this season is amplified as these holidays can only be celebrated in winter.

With the coming of winter, the captivating smell of scented candles always elevates my mood. The candles build a calm atmosphere that is perfect for watching family-favorite movies with loved ones. In the jolly season, my sister and I watch our favorite movie, “Coraline”, and we light countless scented candles around our fluffy pillows and blankets; miraculously not starting a fire. We are able to resonate with the setting of the chilly movie as right outside our window, fog is forming. It doesn’t get better than this.

Winter has everything every other season does not: sweater weather, hot chocolate, amazing holiday festivities, scented candles and good rest.

Take the time to unwind and take the season one day at a time, the results are worth it. So, when the stars scurry from the sky earlier than usual, the bees fill the air with pollen, the pretty pastel colors of flowers contrast the bright blue sky of the morning and the trees bring back the birds, you’ll be well-rested and satisfied to enjoy Spring’s beauties. You’ll have to wait a while to enjoy your favorite activities from winter, yet once the expressions of winter tingle back it’ll be your time to shine.