Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

The Season We Love to Hate, and Somehow Still Accept – Winter

Winter tests our patience, our mood, and sometimes our sanity. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores the frustrations of the season and the quiet beauty that keeps us from fleeing south permanently.

Whose idea was it to have four seasons?

Could we blame it on Vivaldi? His The Four Seasons could be to blame. What if he had only written three? Would that have eliminated this dastardly time of year? Vivaldi’s work from the mid-1700s is lovely, but really, Winter!

There are so many strikes against this season.

One: The lack of light over time has consequences on one’s mood. Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder. Some have serious problems with mood and motivation. Some have periodic bouts of depression, sadness, or lack of energy. We are apparently made, like most plants, to be bathed in sunlight for our health. I really understand the “snowbirds” who head south for the winter.

Two: The precipitation can be deadly. I have very vivid memories of traveling through Pennsylvania in a blinding snowstorm. One could not see the car’s hood ornament. The snow was falling rapidly and blindingly. Getting off the Turnpike was the only wise thing to do, but finding that way off was truly a challenge. And then, just like Joseph and Mary, all of the inns were full of other snow-weary travelers. As you may have experienced, sleeping in a car is not really restful.

Three: Even if you are safe at home, that safety may be short-lived. I recall two instances of being “at home” in a heavy storm. One involved refilling the oil tank that powered the house furnace. You guessed it. Delivery was due, but the snow arrived first. The tank ran out, and I will tell you that a fireplace does not do a good job of heating a house.

The second was a monster storm that downed power lines in the neighborhood. The electric company responded promptly, and we were all grateful, except for our small house. Unlike anyone else on the block, the snow had put so much weight on the power line from the pole to the house that it snapped. Guess what? The power people restoring the lines on the street do not service individual houses! You have to get a special team out to rewire from the pole to the house, and that takes days. Again, we were dependent on the fireplace; grateful, but dependent. I now have a deeper appreciation for the homesteader who had only a fireplace. That took real courage.

I know we could move to some place where winter disappears or is less of a problem. Folks in Florida seem very happy with their sunshine year-round. However, there is a season I would truly miss: Fall. The beauty of the leaves is heartwarming, leaving me to accept the season that follows.

If winter has you reflecting on stress, resilience, or emotional well‑being, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, balance, and seasonal resilience.