There are two types of people born during winter, those who absolutely hate the season and wish they were born in the summer so they could celebrate outside, and the winter children, who love the season and enjoy all sorts of activities related to cold and snow. I happen to be the second one, the winder child.
Winter has always been an exciting season for me. Ever since I was little, waking up to first snow of the year has been one of the best experiences; the crunching of fresh snow under my feet, the red nose and being fully tucked in my winter gear gives the feeling of home and comfort.
Now being in Alta, winder has developed a new meaning to me. Back home for a regular child, winter was all about skiing, sledding and skating, but here in Northern Norway, it’s more than that. Other than the three things mentioned, it’s also about dog sledging, active outdoor life with fat biking and the northern lights. I had not experienced these things at all or to a sufficient enough level to consider them part of my winter experiences. The desire to go out to experience winter has been greater than ever and it brings me joy more than before.
I have been to warmer climates during winter and it just has not felt the same. There is something about the 20+ degrees and sunshine that does not go with the word “winter”. Winter symbolises me snow, clarity, comfort and new beginnings. Especially new beginnings; while it does get dark in my home country and we get daylight only for a few hours, the polar night gives a new meaning to the definition “new beginning”. In January, when the sun comes up again, you do feel like there is a new year and a chance given to you to do something great or have a fantastic year.
Perhaps I get the feeling of a new beginning in winter because my birthday is in January, which actually starts a new circle in my life, but even if I did not, I believe I would get the same feeling. It is this season, that I feel the most connected and part of nature. It’s the natural comfort and joy that appears; that is how I experience snow.
