Winter can be a real hard time for some people, but what I’ve found most is that the thought of winter is harder than winter itself.
But still, here are some of the many things that I have come to LOVE about winter in New Hampshire.
Time Slows Down
By about the time all the leaves are finally off the trees I notice that time marches a little slower.
The chickens lay fewer eggs.
Weekends are actually open and available.
Evenings come sooner and last longer, and sleeping until dawn becomes sleeping in.
As much as I love summer and all the excitement it brings, fall and winter are much appreciated for a little grace from the fast moving hands of time.
This time, I wonder, can also induce some anxiety in those who don’t come to expect it and long for it. Those who may find themselves, for lack of a better word, bored.
The Key to Enjoying Winter
The key to enjoying winter is to get out and enjoy winter!
This will be different for everyone, but here are some things that my family and I live for:
- Snow angels – really, this is just getting outside and playing with kids. It doesn’t matter what it is, but invariably, if there’s snow on the ground, kids will make snow angels. Do yourself a favor…lay down on the ground and make some grownup size snow angels too.
- Activities – it doesn’t matter which ones, but try a few to see what you like. A cross country ski outing at dawn 3 days a week will change your life in many ways: fitness, peace, nature, etc. Snowshoeing, sledding, skijoring, alpine skiing, plowing, skating, hockey; these are all activities that can only be enjoyed in the winter, which means a lot of people just NEVER get the OPPORTUNITY to enjoy them. Shift the lens to seeing winter as an opportunity.
Something as simple as going outside to take the dog for a walk can lift your spirits if feeling blue. Watch a young pup in the snow and you can’t help but smile.
The Woodstove
If you have a woodstove, congratulations, if not, consider installing one in the coming years, here’s why:
- Point Source of Heat
I’m not going to sugar coat this winter thing, one of the best parts about playing and working outside is coming inside to warm up. Having a point source of heat to ease up next to and rub the hands over is almost invaluable. Plus it’s a great place to disrobe and lay your gear out to dry for the next adventure.
- Money
Yes, they can be pricey to put in, but getting the house up to 70 or 80(!) degrees comes a lot cheaper with a woodstove than any other source. Especially if you have access to, or own, a woodlot.
They say wood heats you several times over. Cutting it, hauling it, splitting it, stacking it and burning it. Thinking back to my own youth, going out in the woods with my dad and my brothers induces one of the most positive childhood memories I have. I consider myself fortunate to be able to offer the same to my kids.
- Ambiance
There are few finer things in life than reading a book next to a hot woodstove with the dog curled up at your feet with the only sounds being the crackling of the fire and the wind howling outside. That’s when you know you made it.
Driving
Driving in the snow is SO MUCH FUN, until you have to do it. Meaning, making the choice to go out and try out the 4-wheel drive and doing donuts in a vacant parking lot is a hoot. BUT, when you feel like you HAVE TO go out in a storm it can induce very serious feelings of anxiety, as it should. It’s dangerous. Here’s how I combat the anxiety:
- Don’t go out
This ultimately comes down to having the courage to say no. Whether that’s to work, or dance class, or a potluck. Commit to yourself when it’s nice out that if the prospect of driving makes you nervous, there are almost no things that are more valuable than your health and wellness, and that of your family, so just say no with confidence. Dust off a book and sit by the woodstove instead, or do a puzzle and congratulate yourself for the confidence and courage to make a tough decision in the name of safety.
- 4-Wheel Drive / All-Wheel Drive
It surprises me to find people in NH with 2-wheel drive trucks. When we upgraded my wife’s car one feature I was a stickler on was All-Wheel Drive. It’s a game changer in the snow.
- Snow Tires
Snow tires are not a gimmick. It’s a different composition of rubber that grips on ice way better. Snow tires are not the same as all-weather tires. Snow tires are worth their money. Snow tires with studs are even more legit.
- Brakes don’t care
Your car always brakes at all 4 wheels. Snow doesn’t change that. It takes longer to stop in the snow. Period. Practice defensive driving, leave lots of distance to the car in front of you, and no distracted driving.
Related: Getting your car ready for winter.
Gear
Someone told me once, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just poorly dressed people.
Even when I’m out on the ocean in the winter I tell everyone that there’s no good reason for being cold.
Save up the money and invest in the quality gear. If your feet get cold your body is cold, and you lose 80% of your heat through your head.
Harness the basics before splurging for that $700 jacket: long underwear, boots, thick socks, a windproof thermal hat, gloves appropriate for the activity, hand and foot warmers.
Bottom line, if you’re cold you’re unhappy, and it’s avoidable.
Bear in mind, too, that once you start doing ‘high-knees’ through a few feet of snow your body is going to heat up something fierce. Be prepared to shed some layers and come to terms with the idea that that alone can be a cure for cabin fever.
Such an Opportunity
Winter is such a beautiful time of year ripe with opportunity. Some are expensive (alpine skiing) but they aren’t all (a walk in the woods), and if you can find the deals you can still enjoy those high dollar activities.
If nothing else, learning to embrace winter is a shift in mindset. I hope this helps you, and please send this along to the next person who says they’d love to live in NH if it weren’t for the cold winter!
-NHMan
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