Winter is upon us. I’m dealing.

The Four Seasons

Danica loves snow … Maksim, ummm, not so much.

No, not that Four Seasons (albeit a lovely hotel-oasis) … I wish, those days are long gone!

I’m talking spring, summer, fall … and winter.

Before we moved, while safely ensconced in balmy Southern California sun, I told everyone smugly, “I grew up in Maryland, I can handle four seasons. No big deal.”

I figured, I can get over the fact that I love California’s 70 degrees (22.5 C) and sunny every. single. day. I won’t miss it that much. Ha! Turns out: I. fucking. hate. winter. I wanted to avoid another one if at all possible … But, oh the things we do for our children.

Playing in the snow

One morning last August, in the middle of sweltering heat, Danica turned to Maksim and leaned down to talk to him, like moms and teachers do. Using her ‘excited’ voice she said, “Maksim” and held his little face gently in her hands. Pausing to assure he was listening, she continued, “After summer, but before you birthday, Deda Mraz* is going to come. And you know what? There’s going to be snow!”

Then, she proceeded to say the same thing to him in Serbian.

That’s when I remembered that I needed to put aside my high-maintenance attitude toward winter and embrace the child-like wonder of the snowy season. Now, writing from the warm, cozy confines of my apartment, I can look outside and appreciate the snow, even if I’m not a fan.

You won’t see me personally making any snow angels (screw that), but I can let my kids enjoy the season.

* Deda Mraz is the Serbian Santa Claus