Winter is a season of stagnation and hibernation. Unlike many other parts of the world, South Africa’s winters are not freezing, particularly Johannesburg. The cold slowly creeps in at evening time, when the sun begins to set. Winter is not my favourite season, and for the past five years have succeeded in avoiding the cold weather, by choosing places where the sun is always high. 

I am now forced to reckon with winter at home; three layers of covers on my bed, wearing long socks and warm jackets, sitting in the sun rather than shade. Building fires is a family favourite, keeping the entire living room warm and cozy. 

In the middle of winter is when we feel fires are necessary. We are privileged enough to have our own fireplace, where the fires are safely contained with a healthy chimney for the flames to run up. Sometimes I am the one who starts it, from scratch, until it’s big and orange. It is a satisfying process, knowing that you can start a fire from scratch and it won’t die down easily.  

The smell of a fire is what makes it feel wintery. The dancing flames of the orange and red are mesmerizing in itself. Your thoughts that are spinning in your mind slow down and are burnt in the fire. A meditative state of mind.  

I enjoy being on the couch, blanket wrapped up around my legs, soaking up the warmth of the heat source. It’s not only a way to keep warm, but also a different way to relax and unwind. Usually, I am working in front of the fire and watching my mom’s medical program at the same time. Honestly, I have missed curling up in front of a fire and drifting off to sleep. Peaceful moments are possible to create in winter, for those who are summer lovers like me.