A Brief Holiday Survival Guide
If there’s one thing that comes to the mind of most Canadians during the winter months, it’s snow. Some love it’s light fluffiness and others the mess it often leaves behind. However, no matter what your opinions on it are tis the season for shovels, ice skating, hot chocolate and maple taffy.
While winter’s snowy nature is a reality to most Canadians, to others who may live in more tropical climates it is more of a concept. Something to be seen on television or from afar as opposed to something to be experienced.
I’ve seen snow on the ground before, and I’ve seen snow on mountaintops and stuff but I’ve never seen snow actually fall” Said Brandon Salick, an international student studying at Saint Thomas University. “I mean it looks pretty but it’s not as great as everyone makes it out to be.”
“It’s nice but it’s very cold and the snow is very slippery, so it has its pros and cons. The pros are that it’s very pretty. That’s one. I’ve realizedthat whenever it snows it means that it’s a lot warmer than when it doesn’t snow.” Said Salick “But the cons like I said before are that it’s really slippery outside. When the plow goes through roads and stuff you realize how dirty the roads really are and sometimes the snow gets dirty and it’s not a very pretty sight.”
International student like Salick aren’t the only ones who seem to have issues with the weather. Even those who have lived in Canada and dealt with this hostile weather their whole lives can often find it to be tiring.
“I like it for around the Christmas season but by March and April I want it gone.” Said Rebecca Dykeman, a STU Student hailing from Woodstock.
Dykeman stated that she loves winter because of the warm blankets and hot cocoa, but feels like the season has a tendency to overstay its welcome.
Thankfully, both Dykeman and Salick have some tips to help make sure your Holiday season is still merry despite the harsh weather.
“Dress warm, wear a hat, wear layers, wear mittens. Especially mittens because my hands tend to get really dry in the winter and don’t wan’t that so wear mittens for sure and dress warm.” Said Dykeman.
“Bring a lot of layers of clothes and prepare to slip a lot.” Said Salick “You also need to find something to occupy your time when you’re going to be inside a lot when the snow is falling and you just can’t really go anywhere.”
While Canada’s winter weather can often be unforgiving, that shouldn’t leave your Christmas enjoyment out in the cold, hopefully with these few tips and tricks you can have yourself a happy holiday.