It’s not too often that we’re surprised by so much snow here in north-west Germany, but when we are, we really enjoy it. Fortunately, my partner and I are both able to work from home and school buses don’t normally run in this weather anyway – so even a snow-covered access road doesn’t upset us. On the contrary – we love playing in the snow, building dens and snowmen and having snowball fights until our noses, hands and feet are icy.

But even without loads of snow, there are so many things we like about winter. Even the first frost that makes nature glisten in the sun triggers feelings of elation in us. It usually doesn’t take long before we start redecorating and the cosiest season of the year begins. While autumn is already characterised by candles, woollen blankets and cosy jumpers, winter really takes things up a notch.
To name just a few of the things that make winter so special for us: fairy lights and other lighting elements in windows and around the home, scented oils that smell of orange, cinnamon, vanilla, fir or baked apples, advent calendars, gingerbread, the Christmas tree and decorations, window decorations, baking biscuits and much more.