In defense of winter: don't hibernate

“Go outside and play in the snow … being cold builds character”—Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

While the calendar tells us that winter began in our northern hemisphere more than a month ago, the year's final season has finally announced it's arrival, as we woke Friday morning to the familiar gray and white tones of the season.

In the past few days, we've seen most of what winter here in the Northeast has to offer, from beautiful crisp and cold days, to the foreboding clouds of freezing rain, sleet and snow. As the calendar resets in the coming weeks, we'll likely see more of the latter, as we move past our first true snowstorm of the winter and the subsequent nor'easters.

The typical response to this harsh season is to take shelter indoors. "The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is sure delightful" the old holiday tune tells us. "And since there's no where to go, let it snow, let it snow."

It's a tempting offer.  Winter offers the perfect chance to do nothing. It's unpleasant to be outside and difficult to get anything done, giving everyone the perfect excuse to stay inside and enjoy the simple bliss that modern convenience has supplied.

But spending the next few months simply hiding indoors would be a terrible disservice not just to this great season, but also to us. Like Calvin’s father from Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes tells his son over and over, being cold is good for you. It builds character. Winter is the season where legends are born. Where miracles take place on almost a monthly basis.

Just a few weeks ago, as distant as it may seem now billions around the world celebrated the miracle of another year with the promise of health and happiness still blissfully intact. In February, one of our national miracles will celebrate its 35th anniversary, as grainy clips of Mike Eruzione and the Miracle on Ice dominate ESPN and local sports channels. We may even have a miracle happening in front of our very eyes, as the New York Islanders sit atop the standings at the NHL’s halfway point, and are threatening to end their tenure in Nassau County with a bang.

This harshness of winter is both the season’s largest burden, and it's greatest blessing. Who among us doesn't hold dear memories of our own winter miracles, from the carefree snow days of youth, cheeks bright red and stinging, chilled to the bone but hoping that our parents would let us stay outside for just five more minutes. Dark bruises formed from falls on frozen ground or ice, hardening our steel on the playing fields and ice rinks. Days spent on the ice or the mountain, pushing our bodies against the elements, just for the sake of it.

These moments are crucial. I’ve learned more about myself while catching my breath in the cold air of a ski lift than I ever had in a psychology or philosophy class. I couldn’t have learned those things sitting on the beach, sipping a cool drink.

It's not an all-or-nothing proposition. I have spent more than my fair share of days curled up on the couch as the elements wrecked havoc outside, content with hot coffee, cable television, and central heating. Those are relaxing and refreshing times, and they certainly have their time and place.

But to focus on that would be a mistake. "Let it snow" indeed. Let the snow pile up, let the wind howl, let the air freeze. For every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and every drop in temperature builds another bit of character and brings us another step closer to the next winter miracle.

Comments about this column? Email me at bmurray@liherald.com