The Joys of Winter

The shortening days of Autumn and the Fall of leaves.
The home stretch in the race to the new year.
Aptly named as I huddle by the fire or under my blankie.
Going outside to sled, or ski, or shovel made extra special
by the promise of bodies warmed by the fire and hot chocolate.
The guilt free joy of snuggling back under the covers on a snow day.
So much decorating!
Halloween, Thanksgiving and finally, Christmas.
Cutting down a tree, getting the decorations from the basement.
Finding or getting that perfect gift dropped casually in conversation weeks ago,
the anticipation prolonged by a well wrapped parcel.
The startling red of holly berries.
February vacation spent somewhere nice, Easter just around the corner,
and suddenly it’s Spring.