“Chionophile [ KAHY-uh-no- fahy l](noun): Any organism that loves the snow and can thrive in cold winter conditions. Chionophiles can be animals, plants, or fungi which have specialized adaptations that help them survive the harshest winters. This fun word comes from the Greek words “chion,” meaning “snow”, and “phile,” meaning “lover of.”” ~ High Park Nature Centre
I think I’m a Chionophile ????
Winter is my second favorite season behind autumn and I love everything about it. The clothes, the coziness, the snowfall, the walks in the woods. The holidays that go along with it, except for Valentines Day, I’m not so crazy about.
Some of you may not agree and I just have to say it… I am not a fan of Christmas. The energy feels rushed and there’s so much pressure! This year, however, was different….
My Dad “went home” last January. He physically died and his soul crossed over the veil to the ultimate party I trust we all end up at sooner or later. Great for them… not so much for those of us left behind as I’m sure you can relate.
So what a surprise to discover that this Christmas was one of the most fun we’ve had in a long time thanks to my sister.
She literally planned the ultimate Hygge holiday for us. Contests and games with prizes, lottery tickets, and stocking stuffer kind of treats. Who knew I could get incredibly competitive over a mint scented sachet for the car????
Yummy food, lounging in pj’s, watching the SEVEN dogs play, and doing puzzles (I just watched that part ???? )… and of course, watching cheesy holiday movies. It was two days of simples pleasures and being present with the people I love.
Now, I did try to contribute with basically forcing everyone to do the “ice experiment” with me. You can read about what this experiment is in last week’s blog.Â
Picture this…
I try to coral nine people into the kitchen to begin the experiment. It took about an hour or two. Someone was either in the shower or cooking. Everyone swore my brother in law wouldn’t do it because it was too “woo woo”… they were wrong!
So finally I have everyone’s attention and hand out little dixie cups. One by one they fill theirs up with water and per my instructions ????… whisper either a question they have for their life or a wish before placing it outside to freeze.
“Once it freezes we will then take a few minutes to gaze into the crystals in the ice and you will be amazed at what you see!”
Some of them giggled, some of them were very serious… yet NONE of them listened to me when I tried to explain the science by Dr. Emoto!! If you are intrigued, here is an article explaining it.
The outcome????
Unfortunately, they never froze ???? !!!
Maybe next year.
The point is, aside from a few moments of heartache, we were able to celebrate in a different and lighthearted way and at one point I realized we were living pretty much all the elements of Hygge. Mostly the ones of Presence, Pleasure, Gratitude, and Harmony.
What a gift… I think I’m starting to like Christmas ????
Love,
Meg
