Winter: some people really love it, and some of us… well… don’t.

As a kid, I was enamored by the snow and took every opportunity to enjoy winter. Sledding! Snow forts! Snow days!

Nowadays, I count the minutes until the snow melts and the days get longer. And as much as I don’t want to admit it, I count down those days with a frown.

I’ve always been able to appreciate the beauty of the season, but I’ve never appreciated the cold. I have spent entire winters dreaming of green grass and warm sunshine. But that seems like a waste. Then I got to thinking: if I can appreciate the beauty of winter, there surely must be other things I can appreciate, too. So this year, I made the decision to embrace winter in different ways. And if you’re someone who also doesn’t care for winter, try experimenting with these simple concepts:

1. Hygge

Hygge (pronounced “heu-gah”) is a Danish word that’s not easily translated into English. This is because it’s a concept – it is about being as opposed to having. Its connotation is warmth and a deeper connection to family and community. So this winter, instead of “hibernating,” so to speak, I’m going to embrace the warmth of good friends and simple pleasures. A mug of hot cocoa, the warmth of a fire, the smile of a loved one.

2. Be more like Oscar

Meet Oscar, he’s the loveable pooch of Badger Emily who works in our customer service department. A few years ago, we had an ice storm in New Hampshire that knocked out power for weeks. A week before Christmas. Fun times.

Although I’m sure Oscar wasn’t thrilled that his house was cold, or that he had to walk on ice with his bare paws, he found a silver lining: ice covered grass makes for a great back scratch.

Realistically, I don’t ever see myself scratching my back on ice-covered grass (or ice-covered anything for that matter), but I like the lesson here. Embrace the silver lining. Look for the simple pleasures.

Be more like Oscar.

3. Get outside and do something

Whether it’s walking, snowshoeing (probably not), cross country skiing (maybe?) or skating (yeah right, two left feet), I’m going to get outside more. Most likely it will be the occasional walk, or perhaps some sledding. But either way, I’m going to layer up, get some fresh air, and enjoy the beauty that winter brings:

And you can always stay inside and write some poetry! Here’s a winter haiku I wrote a couple of years ago:

O watering can!
You hold the promise of spring
While still filled with ice.

How do you celebrate winter? Share your tips in the comments below!