The first month of winter for sure catches us off guard because it is the first time for everyone and there is no way of knowing if they are a winter stripper or can't stand snow on their face or have no sense of balance once the bulky coat goes on. We all get the hang of it eventually and then it is Spring and a whole new set of issues. My favourite part of winter is when it is really cold and icy - no one expects me to take the kids out because it isn't safe so we can just stand at the window and watch the birds at the feeder.