You haven't lived through a winter until you have lived through one in the Bradford/Olean area.

Winter is my favorite time of the year (until January) and it could revolve around how hard we get hit in this area. I know, it's really odd. But winter itself is beautiful, and whether you like winter or not, you can't say it isn't pretty when the perfect white flakes first hit the ground.

Isn't that nice?

Winter is wonderful because it means it's time for cuddling, hot chocolate, a fire, "Frosty The Snowman" movies, sugar cookies with Christmas trees on them and family. If you aren't into the cuddling aspect, you can still snuggle up in five blankets in your PJ's by yourself and watch Netflix with a cup of hot chocolate (or a huge glass of wine). Sometimes those days are needed.

Winter can stink being stuck indoors for a while, but that gives you more time to bond with who you live with. At school, it means I can bond more with my roommates and at home that means I can bond more with my parents, my dog and my sister. Family bonding is one of the best parts of winter.

Another reason I love winter is there is a feeling of giving in the air. People aren't focused on what they want anymore, because they now are thinking of what they can give or what they can get for so and so. If we acted this thoughtful throughout the entire year and put other people before ourselves, the world would be flawless.

Winter also means the birth of Jesus, which is a pretty cool reason to love the season as a whole. Christmas Day wouldn't even be a thing if it wasn't for Jesus.

I also love winter because, deep down, I am still 5 and still hope that one night I'll run into Santa when I sneak downstairs to "pee." (I don't actually have to pee, I sneak downstairs to see the presents) but I have about 10 little cousins who don't know the truth of Santa and it's nice to pretend for them, even if it's only making their day once a year.

So, as everyone is complaining about winter and how much they hate it, I'll be thinking about how pretty the snow is. Think about the children in my family and about my warm bed and fuzzy pj's with deer on them and hot chocolate with more marshmallows than liquid in it.