P.G. Smith Author

Christmas is over. Most people have already taken down their lights and decorations. I don’t know why people are in such a hurry to do that. If it were up to me everyone wound leave their lights up until February.

I don’t know how it is where you live, but here in the Kentuckiana area, winter is gray–pretty much gray and drizzly and cold for about four months. Four months! I am not exaggerating. It could be five. I’m already feeling the blahs, and I have three months to go. Are you feeling it, too? So, what do we do about it?

The first thing I do is turn all my lights on. I know that’s not energy efficient, but we’re talking mental health here. Some people buy LED panels to get them through the winter. Maybe that’s worth doing. I definitely wilt without sufficient light.

But let’s think of other things we can do. A cheery fire is nice–if you have a fireplace. Hot tea can help, and red sweaters. You can’t wear your favorite sweaters in the summer. This is your chance. In fact, I must admit that I have always liked winter clothes better than summer ones. Winter clothes look good on everyone. And personally, I like scarves. You can’t wear scarves in the summer.

Well, I’m feeling better already. This is perfect soup weather, or chili, or stew. There is a lot of really good food that is best served in the winter. And if you are a crafty type, now is the time to knit that Afghan, or maybe paint one of you walls a nice bright color.

Come to think of it, this is a good time to look around and remind yourself that you are nice and warm and comfortable. Not shivering outside in the cold. I don’t know about you, but I have a nice little apartment full of furniture that I picked out, and pictures on my walls that I like to look at, and souvenirs that remind me of many good times and people I shared them with. There are a lot of people out there who are a LOT worse off than I am.

And maybe that’s what we should think about–that the worse thing we have to complain about is a gray day.