Heartwarming is the cold. In chilly, frosty weather I find ways to feel warm inside. That is why winter is my favorite season. Some of my most anticipated winter warmers are Christmas shopping, decorating my home, and reading or writing in front of the fire.

I look forward to Christmas shopping for a few different reasons. The atmosphere in the stores is different once the winter weather sets in. Employees have placed holiday decor throughout the stores and the smell of pine from the Christmas tree vendors permeates everywhere. The Salvation Army bell ringers lend to the spirit of giving. Simply seeing them helps me to remember to give thanks for all that I have been blessed with.

I love to decorate my home for the holidays as well as for the change in the weather. My home begins to transform at the end of autumn. I bring out quilts and afghans to place around the house and change the floral scented candles to those with warmer scents. The fireplace is lit, making a cozy nest for my winter rest.

In our home, the day the holiday decorations go up is very exciting. My children love to watch the house fill up with Santas and pine boughs. Mistletoe is hung in the doorways and lights surround the windows. Everything from throw blankets to salt and pepper shakers are exchanged for their red and green replacements. Finally, the stockings are hung and the tree is trimmed.

Outdoor winter activities are great, but even better is coming in from them and feeling the warmth permeate your chilled blood. Reading by the fire is a wonderful thing to do after building the perfect snowman. I grab a blanket and pull my chair up close. I can stay there for hours, completely absorbed in the words of the author.

Writing in front of the fireplace is therapeutic and inspiring. The warmth and brilliance of it is soothing to me and puts me in a better frame of mind to begin. Looking into the dancing flames, I often see things in my life more clearly and from a different point of view. Inspiration comes in many forms, but firelight is one of the best for me.

Winter is a wonderful time of year to let the cold outside warm your inner self. Bundling up, fireplaces, and the spirit of the holidays all contribute to my own inner warmth. Though I am glad that we have three other seasons to enjoy as well, I always greet winter with open arms.