I love each season for its unique characteristics. Winter is a beautiful season even in the south where we rarely see snow.  Our southern winters are superior to those of the northern states because we get a hint of the cold, but we seldom have more than a day or two of temperatures below freezing.

The smells of winter are unique:  burning leaves, simmering soups, freshly cut pine trees, cooling ginger cookies.  These are the scents that warm us from the outside in. 

The textures of winter are comforting as well.  Fur-trimmed jackets, fuzzy socks, prickly pinecones, down-filled duvets,

Then there are the activities that belong only to the winter. Lace up ice skates and glide around a rink, don a snow bib and ski the slopes in North Carolina.  However, we must not forget the best winter activity, shopping.  This is by far my favorite activity.

I guess you could say that I love winter, but I am always thrilled when spring arrives with its sights, sounds, smells and activities.