Winter mood in South Africa

Winter mood...

I just love this topic! Not because I will be seeing snow, no, for the true meaning of winter.

Here, in South Africa, snow is not something that colors our garden white in the winter months. Yes, there are some places, like the mountains and even some towns, where you will see snow, but in the majority of areas, it is not to be seen. I for one only saw snow once in my life, and I had to travel a long distance with my children so that we could know what it is like to build a snowman.

I am now living on the eastern coast, where the days don’t often go below 20 degrees Celsius in the winter. Some might call me lucky, but believe it or not, I often miss the colder days of winter. Not that winter is my favorite season.

What is it that puts me in a good winter mood?

^{A cold, grey winters morning over the city of Johannesburg}

Winter is not for everybody. I had to discover early in my life. “Go put on your jacket.” Words spoken by my mom when she was feeling cold. The three of us were definitely not getting cold, but we knew better than argueing with her. I vowed to never tell my kids the same. Well, I did. I suppose it was just proof that I was a good mommy. Just like mine.

As winter approaches, many people begin to feel a sense of warmth and excitement as they anticipate the togetherness the winter brings. For many, it is not uncommon to experience feelings of sadness and even loneliness when the days grow shorter and darker. It is up to us to bring smiles to faces and positivity during the winter months.

One of the best ways to get me in a winter mood is to get involved in acts of kindness and generosity. This may involve volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen, donating to charity, or simply offering a helping hand to someone in need. Last year, it was handing out blankets.

By showing compassion and empathy towards others, I believe we can spread feelings of warmth and goodwill during those cold months.

How great that my country has a special day, Nelson Mandela Day which is celebrated every July 18 here in the middle of winter to lend a helping hand. A moment for people to join hands and to do good to others.

My family will tell you that there is no better way to experience a healthy winter mood than with a good plate of food while you embrace the spirit of togetherness.
By coming together and celebrating as a family, we share, we laugh, and we create lasting memories.

What is next is a long drive in the car. No matter what time of the day, we will drive. A flask of coffee for the men, a flask of tea for me, some rusks (twice-baked bread), and the open road is ours.

^{Morning drive with fog creeping in}

Sometimes it will just be for the day or even just the afternoon, and other times it will be for a winter getaway.
Sometimes it will just be us, and other times it will be the whole family joining us.

Winter driving in South Africa is unique and beautiful. It might be dry, but one thing I can tell you is that our winters have their own beauty and charm with clear skies.

^{The beauty of winter in South Africa}

It is on drives like this that the wildlife that the country is known for is experienced at its best. The Big Five, leopards, lions, rhinoceros, buffalos, and elephants can be spotted easier when you visit one of the wild life parks or even go on a safari.

^{A winter drive in a nature reserve}

Winter in South Africa offers a unique and diverse experience for everyone that is unlike any other. All that you must do is embrace the beauty of winter and get into that winter mood.

Come to South Africa, and I will put you in the right winter mood!

^{All the images are my own}

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