For the resident “massholes,” a cold flurry of falling snowflakes while walking on inches of fresh powder is a welcoming sight. Perhaps for some of the international students or tourists, the winter weather is a bit formidable. However, many can agree that it is another side of Concord that we are lucky to experience. Every winter, my mother and my dog, Plum, pick me up for a peaceful and snowy walk on the Concord trails near Nashawtuc. I will hear the crunch of my boots matched by the sight of Plum’s bright orange Carhartt jacket. I will also look at the evergreens and the occasional red cardinal looking for seeds.
Winter time also warrants an important mention of the average Concord Academy student. Lace up your shoes and put on some mittens because, although it will be challenging to retrieve your daily Starbucks, the scenery is truly breathtaking. Seeing the white colonial-style architecture and the historical landmarks with candles in the windows all doused in snow, you truly feel as if you are in a Hallmark movie about to catch Santa Claus going down a chimney.
Unfortunately, there is the infamous slump that burdens a fair share of CA students during this changing of seasons. It gets darker earlier, and if you don’t get enough vitamin C, weariness becomes a burden. The best way to beat this obstacle is to take advantage of winter activities. Looking for some frosty fun? Luckily, less than a ten-minute drive away, there is ice skating on Walden Pond if you can acquire your own skates. If you are lacking a pair, the Valley Sports Arena is a perfect indoor rink that provides rentals. Other active ventures include cross-country skiing in the Concord Woods, which is my personal favorite. Laughing with friends when I face-plant in the snow never seems to get old.
If you are more of a creative type, the Umbrella Arts Center near the public library has a seasonal market sale where you can browse or purchase local artists’ work on December 5 through 7. In addition, be sure to check the tasty specials at the local restaurants and cafes on extended campus. And finally, a very popular event is the annual Concord Tree lighting. This year, also on December 7, the event will feature live music, food, pictures with Santa, a Christmas parade, and, not to mention, a gigantic tree that lights up Main Street. Excluding these wondrous festivities, there is always the peacefulness of curling up with a novel and a cup of hot chocolate from the StuFac in the library or common room.
Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a “winter” person, everyone can appreciate the white blanket draped over our campus by making snow angels or snowpeople on the quad, and even catching a snowflake on your tongue. Love this weather because in no time, spring will be right around the corner, and we will have to wait another year to see the beautiful season once again.