Dixya Poudel

Winter has arrived in the northern hemisphere. The sunrays are getting milder and there are occasional cloudy days that leave people shivering to the bones. The trees bare their leaves and in its wake are spindly branches that stretch about the air as if reaching for the warmth of the sun.
People prepare for colder days ahead by digging out their winter clothes such as fleece, sweaters, jackets, coats, mufflers and gloves. Days are spent under the tepid sun and each sun beam is welcome. Likewise, people stay cocooned in warmth during the mornings and evenings. And winter in Kathmandu is particularly cold as the valley is at an altitude of 1,400 m from the sea level. Even summers are quite bearable here but the winters can be especially strenuous.
This winter, people are adhering to safety measures to curb the ongoing pandemic. Especially as the mercury dips further, there are health concerns to be considered. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, people increasingly sought treatments for flu, common colds and respiratory diseases in the winter season.
Countries further fear worse case scenarios as the temperature plummets. However, on a hopeful note, there is news of vaccines that work successfully against the coronavirus. Until the vaccines roll out for the general public, the best we can do this winter is to stay safe by following safety protocols. For now, there are things we can do and activities we can carry on. Those at home can take this time to pursue leisure activities such as art and crafts, reading and writing, cooking and trying out new cuisines among others.
It is important to keep alive optimism to boost the public morale during these difficult times. However, the winter season is often associated with dark and obscure moods. People are more prone to depression during colder months. There is a clinical term for it called SAD which stands for Seasonal Affective Disorder and it is quite prevalent.
Particularly in literature, there are widespread winter imageries used to describe the onset of grim moods. And winter season is feared by many because of its association with melancholy and decay. Certainly nature takes its time to hibernate during this season, preferring instead to limit food production. Trees shed leaves, plants wither, animals hibernate and birds migrate to warmer places.
However, it is not all too dreary. There are bright sides to the cold weather as well. People enjoy their time basking in the sun during winters. And while staying indoors, families connect to one another. They turn to their creative nature to while away the shorter days. Artists find inspiration amid this season as they portray winter landscapes in their art. Youngsters love wearing winter clothes and trying out winter apparels. And there are people whose favourite season is winter.
Winter is for sipping warm beverages such as tea, coffee and cocoa drinks. It is for sun bathing and reading books as the warm sun soaks up our dreary moods. Winter means Christmas and New Year for the Western society. It brings to mind woollen clothes, cosy holidays and a time to rest our weary bones. Since nature is always moving forward, winter too will cease with the herald of spring. Until then, we can make the most of these cold days and stay warm and safe.