Putting the ‘Win’ in Winter

21 November 2011Emily R

As many of you have already noticed, winter has decorated our small island town with a thin coat of snow. It is only a matter of time until the real winter is upon us. It’s rumored that this will be the coldest of the decade so those of you dreaming of a white Christmas just might get your wish!

The leaves have changed colour, summer tank tops and flip-flops have been traded for sweaters and boots and a cool drink on a warm summer’s day has morphed into a steaming cup of hot chocolate to warm bodies that have been chilled to the bone.

But it’s not just the temperature that has changed; our daily doses of sunlight has been cut short by Daylight Saving’s Time (a misnomer in winter, if there ever was one) and because of this many students are rushing to finish their daily tasks before darkness overtakes us. Go uptown earlier in the day to do those last minute errands while you can still see where you need to go. Want to enjoy the beautiful ocean view from the Millennium Trail, the brilliant sunlight reflected off the calm and tranquil waters of the bay? Best do so before the sun goes down and Mr. Felix begins his shadowy patrol. After all, what else would you be doing there?

Winter does have its perks: for one thing it brings snow. Though some may be skeptical, when big fat snowflakes float down out of the sky it’s the closest thing we mortals have to magic as first hundreds and then thousands and millions of them eventually cover our campus and turn it into our very own Winter Wonderland. I don’t think there is one of us who cannot appreciate the beauty and simplicity of a pure white covering of woven snowflakes.

If winter is still not for you, however, there are measures you can take in your pursuit of warmth on a cold day: 1.You could invest in a hot water bottle or “Warm Buddy”, those adorable snuggly animals with removable bags of rice in their tummies. It only takes two minutes to heat the bag in a microwave and pop it back in your buddy. It’s a perfect way to warm up after trudging around a cold campus. 2. All houses are equipped with a fireplace. Find yours. This most traditional way of beating the cold has been around since man discovered fire. 3. One word, ‘Layers’. Jeans and t-shirts aren’t going to cut it anymore. I suggest a t-shirt, sweater, bigger sweater, jacket, jeans, thick socks and boots. And don’t forget gloves or mittens and a scarf. Even a hat! The trick is to start out warm and stay that way.

As the temperature drops and daylight diminishes, we still have events to look forward to. This coming Thursday and Friday feature the “Concert for A Winter’s Eve. Next Saturday the Grad Council will host the annual and seasonally appropriately named ‘Snowball Dance’. Junior and their Senior dates get all dolled up for a dinner and dance. As a member of this year’s Grad Council, I can assure you that there is much to anticipate – but don’t forget to wear a coat (or borrow your date’s!)

Every good thing is counter-balanced by something…well…not so good, and hard on the heels of the eagerly anticipated Snowball Dance comes the wretched week of no return…EXAM WEEK…when students bury themselves in books and blankets and attempt to score the much-coveted 86 or above. But nothing lasts forever, and once the stress of exams is over with, there is a light at the end of the tunnel – CHRISTMAS VACATION! All we have to do is survive until then.

Godspeed fellow Brentonians! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Emily R

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