One of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking in was the snow-capped Alps creating a backdrop as I looked out over Lake Constance in Germany.

It was the middle of June, but the white tops of the iconic Swiss skyline made me miss the Christmas markets and chilly nights curled up with hot chocolate that I’d experienced only months earlier. 

Looking at the beautiful snow topping the mountains I’d dreamed of visiting my whole life, I realized that the occasional annoyance I felt thanks to snow is taking for granted how lucky I am to live somewhere where we can celebrate all four seasons and appreciate the beauty of each, snow included.

As the sun starts to dip down earlier and snow sneaks its way into the forecast, I’ve found my social media to be filled with photos of the region’s first few snowfalls. Many of the posts are filled with comments of disgust, disapproval. 

I’ve never been one who really hated winter, but I certainly let a few complaints escape my lips each year as I pile on layers to prepare for the ten-second sprint to my freezing cold car. 

Without explicitly agreeing, I can at least say that I see where the snow-haters come from. Winter can be hard for many reasons, the cold just the very tip of the iceberg. Seasonal depression, dangerous roads and evenings that look and feel like midnight all contribute to the longing for summer that so many feel during the winter months.

This year, with so many additional challenges, the idea of winter might seem extra scary to some. COVID-19 has hit everybody hard, and with the inability to move events and meetings outdoors will only mean further seclusion for many.

When winter hits and you find yourself longing for the days of sun dresses and tanned skin, think back to the first snow of the year and how its beauty and serenity made you feel. 

— Shannon Rabotski is a reporter with the Times. Her column appears periodically. She can be reached at srabotski@themonroetimes.com