Despite the snow we’ve seen these past few weeks, today officially marks the beginning of winter.

Born and raised in Michigan, I’ve always loved seeing the full effect of four seasons each year, even the cold and sometimes brutal winters. Each season seems to play such a prominent role in our lives without even realizing it.

Every time the seasons change, it’s like the start of a new chapter, full of new opportunities and sensations.

There’s lots to love and hate about wintertime, but I suppose you could make that argument for every season.

With winter comes the holiday season, which is always a beloved time of the year. It’s a time dedicated to spending time with family and friends. It’s a time of sharing and giving.

Snow is certainly an evident characteristic of winter, too, at least for most states.

My brother, who lives in Florida, will probably be wearing a T-shirt on Christmas, while the rest of us in Michigan will bundle up against the cold winter snow.

Fingers crossed for a white Christmas, though it’s looking unlikely.

I’ve always liked snow. The first snowfall of the year almost feels like it’s the first time you’re seeing snow again, making you stop and take it in. It’s such a beautiful way to paint nature’s canvas.

And plenty of things look better in the snow, especially, as my family has always said, Christmas lights. They shine brighter in the snow, and it’s almost as if that’s how they were intended to be seen.

A downside of winter and snow, however, is the slush that tends to follow. Mixed in with the road salt and dirt, it sure knows how to turn the pure, white snow into something you want to see gone.

But back to the finer elements of the season: Winter means cozy. It means wearing your heaviest, comfiest sweaters with your favorite fuzzy socks and wrapping yourself in the warmest blanket you can find. It means pouring the hot chocolate or your other favorite warm beverage and letting it soften and comfort you from the inside out.

Snuggling up around the fireplace is a specific kind of comfort and joy in the wintertime, as is cuddling up with a book and watching the snow fall outside.

Winter also brings comfort in the form of food, as soups, chilis, and other warm meals are popular throughout the season, and I certainly love a home-cooked chili this time of year.

Even warm cookies just seem to taste better in the winter.

Cold weather also means dogs in sweaters and boots, which is too adorable not to love.

For the adventurous, winter is a time for your favorite snow activities. Whether that’s skiing and snowboarding or making snow angels and snowmen, it’s something to appreciate being able to do this time of year.

Some people may enjoy winter for the sports that tend to come with it, both indoors and outside. For example, hockey and basketball are two major beloved sports whose seasons are ongoing.

And there’s football, which is quite entertaining in the snow, as it adds a level of intensity and is even amusing, especially when warm-weather teams attempt to play in snowy tundras.

Winter also rings in the new year, another time full of opportunities and new beginnings.

Time to start thinking about those New Year’s resolutions, I suppose.

For those who maybe aren’t so crazy about winter, I can understand your view. I have a feeling that, when February or March rolls around and the cold just doesn’t seem to want to go away, I may feel differently about this whole article, too.

But, for now, I’m looking forward to all the good things that winter has to offer, and drinking hot cocoa and wrapping presents are at the top of my to-do list.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@thealpenanews.com.