Things that define a British winter's day
As the year end raises its head on the horizon, one doesn’t have to look back at the summer and fall with sadness.
Winter has many distinctions and charms to warm your heart and keep you smiling until a new starts once more. Here are 12 things to look forward to on a winter’s day.
1. The winter scent: Your lungs will awaken to the crisp and cold air with hints of pine and eucalyptus. You’ll feel alive and sharp ready to live completely in the moment.
2. Comfort food: The summer heat destroys any appetite for heavy stodgy meals. The summer calls for lighter fare such as steamed fish or leafy green salads. When winter arrives at your doorstep, you’ll find comfort in a simmering goulash or a rich portion of macaroni and cheese. Don’t be shy find comfort in all the food that is decadent and makes you stop for a moment to simply smile.
3. Winter mornings and sunrise: The film of frost on your windows give a hint into the strength of Mother Nature. Looking past the frost, the winter sunrise shows the promise of the day ahead. The antithesis to the never ending summer day, a winter’s day will make you appreciate what you have today.
4. Bustle at Christmas markets: Despite the overwrought Christmas themes and in-you-face retail marketing, Christmas is undeniably a festive time. The excitement of children can be felt everywhere. The cold crisp winter air, aroma of baked goods with the pure sense of anticipation make the Christmas markets like no other place during the year.
5. Christmas Carols: The British winters aren’t only defined by its sights and smells but also its sounds. Christmas carolling clearly makes that distinction bringing a sense of joy and community to all within ear shot.
6. Card games: The cold winters will bring you inside. Card games such as Cribbage, Old Maid and Stop the Bus (Bastard) will take centre stage. Invite a friend or two and shelter yourself from the cold winter outside.
7. Bingo: The more social folk will head down to the local bingo halls for fun and fellowship. Alternatively you can stay at home play on-line at Cheers Bingo while enjoying a pint.
8. Reading Victorian novels: Winter evenings compel you to stay in for the night. A hot cup of tea, a cosy bed and a Victorian novel make for the perfect trio on a cold winter’s night.
8. Wearing Winter Woollies. You’ll know when the British winter has arrived when the woollies come out. Short sleeves and light cottons will be replaced with sweaters, scarves and mittens.
9. Cosy Pubs: As winter rolls in, cosy British pubs are fun places to enjoy a pint or some hot cider. Pubs that have a log fire offer an added ambience to an already special time of the year.
10. Winter dance and fire festivals: Come winter time, Britain offers a number of fun festivals to see. Head up to Glasgow and experience the fiddles and drums at the Celtic Connections festival. Alternatively go to the Shetland Isles for the fiery Viking celebrations at the Up Helly Aa festival.
11. Morning Christmas swim: You’ll know Christmas has arrived in Britain when the Serpentine Swimming Club take their annual Christmas morning swim in the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Have a hot drink and watch the swimmers brave minus 30 degree waters.
12. Food festivals and markets: Numerous food festivals start popping up during the winter. Notably, the hawker style food night market at Bethnal Green offer a variety of food to feast on as well as an array of whiskies at their whisky bar.
