As the end of the year quickly approaches, the air grows colder, and the sun sets earlier. While people may dislike the shorter days, I personally love walking out at 6 pm to watch the sun go down. During the summer, when the sun sets later in the day, I often feel busier and like I should be doing something instead of relaxing. However, as nighttime approaches faster, I find that there are many reasons why I enjoy winter more. From cozy evenings at home to more opportunities for pacing myself and appreciating the peacefulness, there is a certain charm to the darkness of the night.
Early Afternoon Walks
Spending my afternoons on a walk is one of my favourite pastimes. I enjoy walking around campus at night and admiring all the lights. What I especially love about winter is the early nights. Mixing this with late-afternoon walks makes for the perfect de-stressor. I put in my AirPods, listen to whatever music I feel like, and make my way around campus. By the time I head back to my dorm, I feel refreshed and ready to wrap up in a warm, cozy blanket.
Peaceful Nighttimes
With earlier nights comes earlier silence, and in turn, earlier peace. Nightfall brings me a deep sense of calm; for a time, I no longer worry about what’s troubling me in my life. At night, I am usually more motivated to do schoolwork, too, which is definitely a bonus. Overall, I am more at ease when the sun goes down, and that quiet increases my productivity.
Seeing the Moon and Stars
Revisiting those late-night walks, I love gazing up at the moon and the stars. I often stare out my window, taking them in for what feels like a very long time. For me, the moon sparks creativity, inspiring me to write music or work on my art. It inspires me to reflect and think up new possibilities.
Simple Pleasures
In my opinion, the best time of year is Christmas. With so many activities involving cozy nights and festive vibes, it’s hard not to love it. After a long, cold night, I love warming up in my bed with a cup of tea by my side. Pairing this with a Christmas movie and an early night makes for the best time.
Overall, with the sun setting earlier, there are several reasons I enjoy the early nights. I love taking nighttime walks and feeling safe indoors, admiring the moon, and the simple pleasures of the holiday times. While summer is a great season full of fun activities and busy days, I appreciate the stillness of winter nights.