Seasonal

Winter is the most popular season for celebrating. The white colour of the snow with the freezing wind makes everybody feel special because they know that it's the end of the year. As for me, winter time is the best time to stay at home and cook some traditional noodle soups. It makes me less home-sick and more time to reunite with relatives. Every weekend, my husband’s cousins always ask us what we will cook and offer what they will have for dinner as well. Besides the cooking time, my husband and I like to go for a walk a little bit outside and after that we will go around in the shopping mall. We love to go to the Indigo bookstore to browse the magazines and smell the new books. We enjoy the lively atmosphere of the biggest holiday season of the year, with its bright colours, beautiful Christmas decorations, and people shopping everywhere. When it snows a lot the night before, we like driving around the city the next morning and looking at the beautiful scenery. Watching families play in the snow and seeing people happily skating at the outdoor rink in downtown Guelph makes me love this city even more. It helps me feel more connected to the place I live.

The holiday atmosphere in Canada is very lively since people like to go shopping and buy gifts for each other, and that makes me remember my days in Vietnam during Christmas time. Even though there is no snow and the weather is not as cold as in Canada, there is something similar: People in Ho Chi Minh City also love to decorate their homes. In some neigbourhoods with Catholic families, they put up colourful lights along the alleys and make a nativity scene in front of their houses. I always feel good whenever I see Christmas decorations not only in Canada but also in Vietnam.

For me, the winter season is truly a time to enjoy life, slow down a little, and appreciate the simple moments that make each day feel special. This winter, I hope I can try to study skiing or snowboarding. For beginners like me, it will be the most challenging because it will be the first time I try. I think that will help my husband and I refresh our minds and recharge our energy.