Winter is the new black

October 12, 2014 by Ray Morgan

Winter is the new black

It's here. It's HERE! All the telltale signs are pointing that way...

Lemsip is out of stock everywhere you go. The people on the bus cough and sneeze in chorus, a sick symphony. The heating burbles on, making rooms smell of hot metal.

Yes, you've guessed it, I'm talking about winter. People say in excited whispers "The good telly is back! Staying in is the new going out!" (I say 'people', I mean me) - but even my Dad recently said "If we're watching Downton we might as well have the heating on."

Telltale TV has indeed returned for the winter, a parade of Strictly, X Factor and Downton (I'm sure there's more) causing much discussion of who has the best leg extensions during the paso doble, or who totally bottled it at Judge's Houses.

But it's not just the telly that I love. I'm not ashamed to say that I've already busted out my snowman leggings of an evening. I have already watched two episodes of Nigella Christmas. I have delighted in wearing socks again, bringing out jumpers from the back of the wardrobe, and having an even better excuse to drink an inordinate amount of tea.

Winter brings out the romantic in me: I see beauty in wet leaves slick on the pavement floor, I take delight in drawing the curtains as it gets dark at 6pm, and feel cosy when I have to put on a bedside light when I get up in the morning. This cold, dark weather makes me want to stay home, read books, and knit, or write.

I'm aware that all this makes me sound a little crazed, of course. Most people find joy in sunshine, warmth on their skin, not the kind of weather that gives you cracked hands or creaking joints. I think I have Seasonal Affective Disorder the wrong way round... anyone else feel like this? I'd love to know.

My top 5 things about winter

1. My November birthday - something else people love to hate. Why? PEOPLE GIVE YOU THINGS
2. Boots, ooh I love a good boot
3. Enormous scarves that take a good 5 minutes to unravel when you arrive somewhere
4. Spindly branches against a bright, cold sky
5. Hot puddings. With custard. After a roast dinner. >