10 reasons to be excited about winter.

So, daylight savings time has come and gone... nights are getting longer, days are getting shorter and winter is around the corner. In an attempt to add some happiness to the inevitable 5 month deep freeze (with the occasional chinook, of course) and the increasing inches of snow on the ground, I am going to give you TEN reasons you can be excited that winter is coming. 

10 reasons to be excited about winter.

1. Winter style is cozy.

Although winter and fall style are similar, winter style = more layers, more wools and more boots. Boots are great and add a casual and comfortable aspect to your look.  

2. Canada Goose is a thing, their jackets are a thing... and they ROCK.

If you have not yet invested in a Canada Goose jacket, now might be the time. I know these are  extremely popular and may not allow you to express your individuality, but they are very, very warm, and on those -40 days, you'll be glad you made the investment.

3. Nights in, wrapped in a blanket with a glass of wine with your <3er. 

Nights are cold and the last thing you want to be doing in subzero weather is standing in a line at a bar or waiting outside to find a taxi (don't worry, Uber is coming soon!). Winter nights spent in with friends or loved ones is a great thing to look forward to. Cook dinner at home, open a bottle of wine and cuddle up on the couch with movies. Because Calgarians love to take advantage of summer by getting outside and socializing, it is nice to use the cold nights to catch up on some quality time. 

4. Winter sports.

Snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, skating, ice fishing, etc. are all good reasons to be excited for winter. A nice powder/chinook day on the mountain is a great reason to look forward to snow!

5. Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise.

Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise are all lovely places for you to admire the wondrous wintery Rocky Mountains. My favourite hotel to stay at during the winter is the Rimrock. They have lounge area with a big fireplace, comfortable leather chairs, a pianist, festive cocktails and a picturesque view of the mountains. 

6. Beach vacations.

When you need a break from the snow and the mountains, beach vacations are a great option. There are numerous beaches for you to choose from and when the weather gets really, really cold, there is no other place you'd rather be. Plan a beach vacay so you have something to look forward to!

7. Christmas holidays.

Holidays are filled with love, joy, generosity and... parties, and Christmas is a wonderful time to spend some quality family time and to give back to those in need. It is also a great time to step up your style game. Christmas parties, dinners and cocktails with friends are all great opportunities to dress a little bit nicer than you are used to. 

8. Hikes on chinook days.

Getting out of the city and taking advantage of Calgary's chinooks is definitely a reason to look forward to winter. Hiking in Banff, Canmore or Kananaskis is a great way to spend a nice chinook day.

9. Quality time spent with your... gym. 

Winter should not be an excuse to hibernate and pack on the pounds. Use the lack of mid-afternoon patio drink excuses and your lack of willingness to go out on the town (lines, waiting for cabs, etc.) to get in great shape. Not only will you be consuming less calories by not going to the bar, you will be expending calories and saving cash. Hit up a hot yoga or a spin class to get your sweat on during the winter months so that you're ready for those beach vacations.

10. Peppermint things.

Pumpkin things are to fall as peppermint things are to winter (#basic).  When I think winter, I think peppermint. A nice peppermint cocoa after a chilly day on the ski hill is a great way to end a night. 

See, winter doesn't have to be that bad... there are 10 whole reasons to make it awesome!

Drop me a line and let me know what your favourite things about winter are - like always, I am very excited to hear from you!

- Ensemble Style