Okay, it’s that time of the year when all the cosy comforters, warm sweaters, mufflers, beanies and mittens come out, and your mother wraps you up like you’re about to step into the open Siberian terrain … isn’t it? Yes! It’s the perfect depiction of almost every household.

Mothers always bundle you up and treat you to all the yummy delights they’ve been waiting all year to make, to fill your tummy with energy-packed goodness in no time.

This season, you might be served more broth than ever before, sip hot chocolate with a smile more often, and enjoy hearty servings of soups and dry fruits like peanuts, cashews, almonds and pistachios. But, like most kids, your natural inclination will probably lean toward sweet, hot beverages and delightful treats. Isn’t that true?

Whatever you prefer, we can all agree that this is the time of year when most of us feel rejuvenated. There’s an air of festivity with Christmas, Quaid-i-Azam’s birthday and the New Year adding to the cheer. Everything feels so positive and refreshing!

And let’s not forget the winter school holidays — though short, they bring all the temptations to enjoy cosy evenings, lively days and magical nights. Yes, winter is finally here!

Let’s welcome the season by wrapping ourselves with warm blankets, wearing comforting woollen sweaters, a pack full of peanuts to munch on and a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.

The winter pace

There’s something special about this season — a unique charm that makes everyone feel more alive; with celebrations, campfires and bonfires, late-night gatherings, talking and sharing, over steaming cups of tea and snacking on peanuts.

The pace of life slows down, nights grow longer, days shorter, and people naturally gravitate toward the warmth of their homes, cherishing the company of loved ones. Why? Because it’s only natural.

Unlike the merciless summers, where the scorching heat discourages gatherings, even in the evenings, because — well, let’s face it, no one wants to sit around sweating while trying to have a conversation! Winter invites us to embrace these moments. The slower, but festive pace of the season makes everything feel more meaningful and encouraging to relish each moment.

Enchanting tales of grandma

As kids, listening to stories is the first cognitive step toward imagination and creativity. Whether you are a boy or a girl, your childhood becomes more memorable if your grandparents or your parents tell you tales of magical lands filled with brave heroes, cunning villains and valuable life lessons. These stories aren’t just entertainment; they are a treasure trove of wisdom, wrapped in the folds of fantasy and tradition.

And of course, winter is the perfect season to gather around the old wise members of our family and cherish their presence in your lives and listen intently and learn from each word.

The magic in the air

We, who live in the cities, hardly notice the subtle weather changes. It’s only when a heatwave becomes unbearable in summer or when a sudden gust of cold air signals the arrival of winter that we pause to take notice. However, if you are among the lucky ones who can experience nature’s transitions up close, the magic of the changing seasons becomes undeniable.

Witnessing the winter chills as trees turn yellow, their leaves falling one by one, leaving branches bare. Or standing in awe as snowflakes gently descend, blanketing everything in pristine whiteness, a surreal feeling that only those present in the moment can truly see and feel.

Then comes the earthy aroma rising from the ground after a long dry spell, carried by the crisp air — a scent so raw and comforting that it feels like nature itself is breathing. These are the moments when the magic in the air becomes palpable, reminding us of the beauty we often overlook.

Time to sit back and reflect

The usual ten or so days of holidays are never enough to fully celebrate the magic of the season. However, instead of letting this short time slip away, make the most of every moment. Midway through your academic year, this is the perfect time to reassess, to understand where you stand and what needs to change. Reflection brings clarity and clarity paves the way for progress.

Don’t let this season pass without giving yourself the time to connect with your inner self and redefine your priorities truly. Because, after all, the New Year is just around the corner, a time when we often make countless resolutions, some fulfilled and others forgotten.

So, as you look ahead, be genuine to yourself. Reflect on what truly matters, set intentions that resonate with your heart, and embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

A little care is all you need!

Every season demands attention and care. Whether we pay due respect or not, the seasons have their ways of reminding us, sometimes through their wrath.

Take summer, for example. It demands we stay hydrated to avoid dehydration. The excessive sweat requires regular bathing to cleanse the skin and kill germs. Similarly, winter brings its own challenges. The cold air dries out all the moisture, leaving behind cracked land and dry skin. You must use body lotions and creams to keep your skin moisturised and don’t forget to drink water to keep your body hydrated.

Moreover, winter brings with it some seasonal ailments like flu, cough and sore throat; they are mainly caused by allergic reactions due to changes in weather and irritation caused by smog and other air pollutants. All you must do is keep yourself warm and healthy, eat warm food, drink hot beverages and enjoy healthy snacks that provide nourishment.

Also, when going out, always wear a mask, as this hinders the pollutants from entering your respiratory system. These small efforts not only protect you from the harsh effects of winter but also make the season more enjoyable.

A word of caution

Heaters are very common in most households, and there is a wide variety of them, some run on electricity while others on gas. These devices, if not used properly, can be dangerous and are often the cause of suffocation or even death due to carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards.

As a kid, you must stay away from such hazardous devices, remember it is essential to ensure proper ventilation when using a heater, especially gas-powered ones, and never leave them unattended for long periods. Keep an eye on your younger sibling for you and they should never go near such devices. Safety should always come first to prevent any unfortunate accidents. So dear kids, with that, I leave you to enjoy the chill, a warm spoonful of chicken corn soup, and a comforting sip of coffee. The magic of winter has just begun!

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 14th, 2024