….for the night is dark and full of terrors.

-Melisandre, Game of Thrones

While Melisandre might think so, and I cannot certainly blame her – there is a war going on over there, Winter for me is not a time I worry about gathering and storing enough food to last me till spring. Nor do I worry about hostile countries/kingdoms trying to evade my private property in the panoply of fog and snow.

For me, the common in-fictitious man, winter is all about coziness. The beauty of the season is that it makes us seek warmth – be it physical, cuddled in blankets with a cup of warm coffee or tea, or emotional, planning festivities with our loved ones and feeling closer to them.  Winter to me, is coming home to a warm plate of food and a warm bed to sleep in. Winter to me, is walking on the grass in that timid yet soothing sunlight and sitting under a tree with a book in hand and a cup of coffee kept on the side. Winter to me the cricket lover, is about watching two teams go at it in a great test match. Winter to me, is watching a great movie with hot popcorn.

To me, it is about clearing the shelf, making space for new belongings in a new year. It is a time to reflect and to ponder – the former, for the year gone by and the latter for the year(s) to come ahead. Winter, dear friends, is that quintessential milestone for the many intersecting roads in our life. So, lace up your boots or tuck your comforters, and get ready to reflect, ponder, celebrate and relax – Winter is here.