Why you should be excited about the cold weather

Summer is everyone’s favorite season. BBQs, tanning, beach days, etc. Personally, I’m over it and ready for cooler weather.

Temperatures are going to drop whether you choose to accept it or not. Winter is essentially inevitable. Especially in Syracuse.

Although everyone looks forward to the warmer weather post-March, there are plenty of reasons to be excited for those snowy days pre-March.

Don’t worry, though. The Orange are a tough breed. Hauling through the snow in heels and tank tops on? We’ve got this. Here’s to a positive outlook on the coming months and all the things we have to look forward to this season.

Not Sweating

I am sick of heat, humidity, showering two to three times a day, planning my day around which buildings have AC and always feeling sticky during the beginning of the school year. I cannot even bring myself to straighten my hair in fear of overheating.

As the fall season comes to an end, the dreaded winter comes with it. Why not curl up with warm blankets and finally get to use your comforter? This is finally the season where you will not find yourself sitting in front of your tower fan, but rather snuggling up in your favorite blankets … actually feeling comfortable.

This will be the only time of year you actually feel cozy by warmth. You won’t be complaining about the lack of AC. Instead, you will be enjoying the cool air flowing into your dorm room through the window. But beware, if it’s too cold, your window may get frozen open.

Also, you cannot deny that your bed is just simply more appealing when the weather is cold. Even if you can’t sleep in during the week, winter is a perfect excuse to crawl into bed and watch movies on a snowed-in Saturday.

Seasonal Hot Drinks

‘Tis the season for seasonal hot drinks served at various coffee shops. There is no denying that there is nothing quite like drinking something hot on a cold winter day.

It’s all about the little things, and these little things come in tall, grande and venti sizes. Easily, one of my favorite parts about the winter is when Starbucks uses red holiday cups and adds specialty drinks to the menu.

These include the Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Christmas Cookie Latte, Gingerbread Latte and Peppermint Mocha just to name a few. It’s a given that the second those cups turn red, my peppermint intake increases by 200 percent.

And of course, as the temperature plummets you can also enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate. Add some marshmallows and you’re all set.

Cute Winter Outfits

The winter weather can be ruthless, but there is no denying the thrill that comes with breaking out your winter boots and coats that have been stored away during the first few months of school.

For fashion’s sake, I simply cannot wait for cooler climates. Despite loving to wear shorts and dresses, I have grown a soft spot for thick sweaters and scarves, and particularly pairing them with leggings and boots.

Boots are essential for walking to class in blizzards, but they also prove as a great addition to a casual outfit.

Winter Break

You have to admit that once it begins to get colder, you start to get excited for the holidays. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, what’s not to look forward to?

When I think of the holidays, I think of being with my family, playing in the snow, baking cookies, eating peppermint bark, listening to holiday music and watching holiday movies. The 25 Days of Christmas? It’s a Wonderful Life? Elf? Home Alone? No brainers. No matter what holiday you celebrate this season, you cannot deny your love for those classic holiday movies. This time of year would not be the same without them.

Another important part of the holiday season is getting to spend time with family. Especially for us college students, winter break means traveling home from school to relax with no responsibilities, no homework and no dining hall food for a MONTH.

Everyone has their usual go-to dish this time of year, so here’s your chance to dig in. After a long semester, we all look forward to a well-deserved time for holiday parties, gift giving, holiday lights, family and friends. Get pumped!

Even if the whole “New Year, New Me” concept isn’t really maintainable, there are a multitude of reasons why New Year’s Eve is a very fun time of this season. There are streamers, lights and champagne and you get to hang out with hometown friends, make new year’s resolutions that will never be followed and of course watch the ball drop.

Basketball Season

If you’re anything like me, you live for winter sports. Especially college winter sports. College basketball season is almost here and it’s one of the most hyped up sports here at ‘Cuse.

And despite the cold, there are still tailgates. 

Coach Jim Boeheim will start his 41^st season as head coach of the Syracuse Basketball team, which demonstrates his insane amount of experience. After an unbelievable final four run last year, there are high hopes for Boeheim’s team this year. This season, the Syracuse Basketball Program will show a roster with six new faces added to the lineup, which means it’s time to pick a new favorite player.

The anticipation about March Madness is REAL. It’s the most competitive time of the year for my family and our brackets.

And let’s not forget about Duke, our rivals, who will be playing HERE at the dome this season. Time to camp out for the biggest rivalry this season has to offer! I think I speak for most when I say that’s something to look forward to.

Holiday Themed Parties

The joy you feel when it’s finally socially acceptable to show off your tackiest Christmas/Hanukkah sweater is undeniable. You’ll hands down be the coolest one at the party if your sweater lights up.

I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to whip out my “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal” T-shirt. Plus, what’s better than being super comfortable at a party?

Snow Days

LOL just kidding. We don’t have those up here in Syracuse. Unfortunately, SU has the best snow removal and South Campus buses still manage to function in a blizzard. So don’t get your hopes up, freshmen.

Witnessing Syracuse become a winter wonderland makes the season such an amazing time of year. Plus, you’ll grow increasingly appreciative of the few 50-degree winter days. So get ready for hearing “it’s so cold,” snowy campus pictures, Canada Goose jackets, pumpkin spice lattes and a new season for tailgating.

It’s not always sunny here at Syracuse University, so let’s embrace the snowy season for all it has to offer.