Winter can be a drag in La Crosse. We’re suffocating in our heavy coats, drowning in end-of-the-semester homework, and cooped up in our poorly insulated college houses. If we’re not slipping on the icy sidewalks walking to class then we’re risking our lives driving the unplowed roads (seriously what is up with that?). It’s easy to start feeling down when the daylight fades at 5 PM and you’re left doing homework in an overly crowded and extra loud Murphy Library.
In the midst of finals and everything else we hate about this time of year, let’s take a moment to appreciate the season (since there’s no getting around it) for all that happens because of the winter season, rather than in spite of it.
1. ‘Tis the season of snowy sports.
Some like to watch, others prefer to play. If you’re like me, you prefer neither. I tried snowboarding for the first time a couple years ago at Mount La Crosse, and I’ll admit, it went terribly. However, through the course of falling over and over…and over again, I started actually having fun, and there’s no doubt in my mind that every person on the slopes was experiencing a little slice of heaven that day. If heights aren’t your thing, there’s always free skate on the weekends at Green Island Ice Arena.
2. Cocoa makes a comeback.
It’s a known fact that hot cocoa tastes better when it’s cold out. Chocolate is good year round, but we only really want it hot when the temperature drops. Hot cocoa goes from being a quick chocolate fix on a cool fall morning to a winter staple.
3. Downtown Lax transforms into a magical, sparkly wonderland.
The window seat at Starlite Lounge has never been so appealing with downtown powdered with snow. The view makes the bitter walk outside a little less harsh.
4. J-term begins.
Winter with no classes is a game changer. The problem with icy sidewalks has everything to do with walking to class. What’s better than having nowhere to be when its snowing outside? With all that extra time on our hands, we can finally take the time to read for pleasure and watch Netflix guilt free. In summer sitting inside just feels wrong, but now we have the perfect excuse to lounge and relax.
5. The Rotary lights, duh.
There’s nothing quite as wonderfully cheesy as going on a date to the Rotary Lights at Riverside Park. Bonus points if you take a group picture in front of UW-L’s light exhibit.
6. Grandad’s Bluff joins the party in a new white coat.
The bluffs are amazing year-round, but winter is unique in that there are extra city lights and snow-capped trees to gaze at.
7. You actually have an excuse to buy all the candles.
Candles are wonderful. They’re soothing, fragrant, and romantic, and they really get their moment to shine during the winter season. A house with a candle beats any house without a candle. Amiright?
8. Shopping becomes more acceptable.
A shopping spree mid-fall is hardly justifiable. At really any other point in the year you can talk yourself into saving money for bills or adding to that travel fund. As soon as the holidays roll around, though, shopping becomes imperative. And the best part is you’re doing it for others. We all get a little more thoughtful during winter (post-Black Friday, that is).
9. It gives you a chance to really appreciate summer.
Let’s face it—summer is the greatest season. We don’t have to ignore that just because we’re trying to appreciate winter. Without the bitter cold, how would we appreciate warm summer nights? Without debilitating August heat, how would we remember that the cold can be a gift? It’s all about balance, my friends.