Walking in a Winter Wonderland

 Annually, we undertake a journey to visit my brothers and their families after Boxing Day. We reserve the period between Christmas Day and Boxing Day for gatherings with immediate family and close friends. The distance to my brothers’ residences requires a four-hour drive including a two-hour ferry crossing. This enduring tradition, which has persisted since the 1980s, encompasses over forty years.

One event that happens on this visit is our annual family walk. There’s no better way to extend the warm feeling of a family than by immersing yourself in the delightful winter scenes that surround us. The act of stepping outside further fosters this sense of kinship. The holiday season is a great time to go on outdoor adventures that will energize you, create lasting memories, and add a touch of enchantment.

 My brothers and I, when we were younger, were runners and we were quite good at it, we now traverse at a more measured pace. The roots of these walks trace back to our early schooling years. During our school years (grades 1 to 3 for my brothers and grades 4 to 6 for myself), a two-mile path through fields, an orchard, and a wooded pathway was our daily route. This journey allowed for connection and talk, contributing to the foundations of our bond. Despite life’s divergent paths as adults, the tradition of walking together endures, providing continuity to our shared experiences. These strolls serve as occasions for reflective conversations and reconnections.

The company of our partners and our children has expanded the walking group over the years. The locales for these walks encompass local parks, trails, and residential neighbourhoods. Winter lends a unique charm to these surroundings, with frosted trees, illuminated homes, and the soft crunch of snow underfoot. The crisp winter air enhances the experience. My sister-in-law is a wonderful photographer, and she captures breathtaking views of the landscape or the people. For my brothers and me, these walks are laden with the echoes of yesteryear and interspersed with conversations that blend reminiscence and updates.

Holidays offer many chances to have fun outside and make lasting memories. Engaging in such activities imparts a touch of magic to the festive season.

Taking a winter walk during the holidays, for me, allows me to enjoy the peace and charm the holidays bring. So, I hope you get a chance over the holiday to go for a walk and enjoy the serenity that winter offers.