Kevin Hillier is glad winter comes only once a year
It’s now officially winter and I’m already over it. Apart from footy and soup, what is there to like about winter? We can look forward to Christmas in July – NOT. People complain we have already commercialised the real Christmas and now we’ve manufactured one to align ourselves with the northern hemisphere, where they have white Christmases.
The last thing I want is a reminder of how cold I am. Winter is also the month of shrinkage, and not in the Seinfeld way. The days shrink (you no sooner drag yourself out of bed in the dark than it’s dark again), all my clothes shrink (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it), the desire to go for a walk or undertake any exercise of any description is as low as the temperature and, worst of all, my bladder shrinks (again my story, etc).
But it has to be said it’s a time of unequalled sharing and unparalleled giving. Thanks to our fellow man, we can all share the joy that is a runny nose, a nagging cough and constant sneezing. It’s called the common cold for a reason and it just wouldn’t be winter without it.
In what other time of the year can you attend a footy game, ride on public transport or even shiver down the supermarket aisles while enjoying the coughs and splutters of your nearest and dearest? Then there’s the winter wardrobe. What a nightmare. Let’s be honest – nobody looks good in a beanie. Hoodies aren’t much better and as for footwear, that plummets fashion to a ridiculous depth. Boots scream time for a sea change to somewhere above the Tropic of Capricorn.
The other annoying part of winter is the social media show-offs who flaunt their fun-in-the-sun holidays to those of us anchored to work and other commitments.
But winter does stop those annoying people who spend all summer asking the same question – is it hot enough for you? That’s one small mercy we can be grateful for, that and the fact you don’t have to mow the lawns as often. We should take a leaf from our friends in the animal kingdom, notably bears. They hibernate. I think I’ll follow their lead. ■
If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au
