Late December, and Winter Is Settling In

It is still December, right at the very end of the month and the year. The snow has been falling steadily, almost without a break. Everything is covered, and more snow keeps coming.

The hardest part of winter has not arrived yet. January and February are still ahead of us, and anyone who has lived here long enough knows what that means.

Living in a True Winter Place

I live in a small town in Southwest Ontario, Canada, close to the U.S. border, at about 43 degrees latitude. This area is in Hardiness Zone 5B and sits in what is called a snowbelt. We are surrounded by three Great Lakes—Erie, Huron, and Ontario—which means we receive much more snow than many other places.

Winter here is long, I mean very very long. It often begins in November and can last until April. Snow in April is not unusual for us.

Snow Is Beautiful—From Inside

There is something very peaceful about looking outside at falling snow while holding a warm cup of hot chocolate. From indoors, winter looks calm and beautiful.

But the reality is different once we step outside. Life does not stop because of snow. We still need groceries. We still go to work. We still meet people and keep appointments. Whether you are driving or walking, winter must be faced.

Preparing for a Long Winter

This year, again, I have hired a snow-removal company for five months of the season from November to March. Here, winter easily lasts close to six months, so it made sense. I usually switch from all-season tires to winter tires at the end of October, and I do not get them changed back until late March or April. The winter weather is unpredictable.

Back home, we usually have snow in late December and feel lucky if having white Christmas. But January and February are the same as here in Canada. In 2005, the first winter in Canada, we had huge snow in the first week of November and I was shocked. “snow in November?” and then next year, 2nd week of October, we had 30cm of snow, I was more than shocked so I put my 4 year old daughter in the snow at back yard. After that. I had to admit that I lived in the different territory.

These days, the snow-removal crew comes multiple times a day because the snowfall has been so heavy and non-stop. Their service has been reliable, and I feel grateful every time I see a cleared driveway. Hiring them was one of the best decisions I made this year.

Lessons Learned Over Time

There was one winter when it barely snowed—less than five times all season. I remember thinking then, What a waste of money.

But nature does not follow our expectations. Some winters are light, and some are heavy. We cannot control that. What we can do is prepare. Looking back, hiring help was never a waste. It was an investment in safety, time, and peace of mind.

 I work twelve-hour shifts and have to leave home at 7:10 in the morning, there is simply no way to shovel snow in the double driveway and go to work for 12 hour shift. Shoveling is hard, demanding work, especially in deep or wet snow.

A Warm Moment in the Middle of the Day

I returned to work at 7:20AM this morning with full confidence after 4 days of Christmas holiday and the other line nurse said you are off  today and I am working with somebody not you as far as I know and she showed me today’s schedule. Silly!!  I am home and now it is 1 p.m. I have just had a hearty vegetable soup for lunch. It was simple, filling, and warming—exactly what the body needs on a cold winter day. It is December 29, 2025 1345.

Moments like this remind me that comfort does not have to be complicated. 

Gratitude and Quiet Reflection

Sitting inside my small, cozy, and humble home while the cold winter rages outside fills me with deep gratitude. My home protects me. It gives me warmth, shelter, and peace.

At the same time, my thoughts turn to those who do not have a safe place to go during this severe cold. Winter makes us aware of our blessings, but it also opens our hearts to others. My heart truly goes out to them.

Winter’s Gentle Reminder

Winter teaches us many things—how to prepare, when to ask for help, and how to appreciate simple comforts. It reminds us that warmth, safety, and home are not things to take for granted.

As December comes to an end, the snow continues to fall. And from inside, with gratitude and reflection, I quietly welcome the new year ahead.