Talk and Embrace

Imagine a world where every conversation opener is about… well, something actually interesting. What if I were to walk up to you, having never met you before, and said…

”Did you know Octopuses have three hearts, and two of them stop beating when they swim? When they swim, the heart that pumps to the body shuts down, which is why they prefer crawling to swimming - it’s less taxing on their circulatory system…”

Or how about…

”Did you know bananas are technically berries, and strawberries aren’t. Botanically, a berry must develop from a single flower with one ovary, and bananas fit this definition, while strawberries develop from flowers with multiple ovaries. So, the strawberry’s seeds on the outside disqualify it from being a true berry!”

Would you think me crazy? Perhaps wonder if I was special in some way? So, why is that? Why are we Canadians, along with our tea-sipping, drizzle-obsessed British cousins, so obsessed with choosing the weather as our go-to topic? Well, it’s safe, it’s neutral, it’s true and what everyone is experiencing, and let’s face it, it’s always changing. Because nothing bonds people faster than collectively complaining about whatever the sky’s up to.

For Canadians, weather talk isn’t just small talk - it’s survival strategy. “How’s the weather?” could mean anything from Will my car start today to Should I wear shorts or a parka today. (Answer: both. It’s spring.) In winter, the mere phrase “wind chill” sparks a camaraderie so profound, it could solve international conflicts. Meanwhile, Brits are busy rating drizzle levels, from “bit damp” to “brolly-essential.”

But back to Canada... Canada truly has it all: Arctic blasts so cold our eyelashes freeze, humid summers that feel like stepping into a sauna, and autumn leaves so perfect they look AI generated, or maybe even like a Bob Ross painting! Sure, we’ve got extreme weather warnings for everything short of sunshine, but isn’t that what keeps life spicy?

Think about places where the weather never changes. Sun, sun, sun, every single day. Sounds dreamy until you realize you have no idea if it’s Tuesday or Thursday, winter or summer, because your wardrobe is one eternal rotation of shorts and flip-flops.

Now, let’s talk about the real elephant in the room: the economic risks of living somewhere with monotonous weather. Sure, perpetual sunshine or unbroken mild temperatures might sound dreamy, but it’s a retail and entertainment nightmare. Think of the clothing industry alone. Without distinct seasons, how do you justify buying that chunky and comfy knit sweater or that beautiful pair of fur-lined boots? The phrase “winter clearance sale” would disappear from storefronts, taking with it the joy of snagging a coat for 80% off in March.

No one needs four kinds of jackets - rainproof, insulated, lightweight, and “just in case” - when it’s perpetually warm. Where’s the fun in that? And what about the seasonal fun stuff - pumpkin spiced lattes!? Soup!? White Christmases!? Making a snowman!? Thanksgiving!? Isn’t there a level of beauty in stuffing yourself with turkey, potatoes, stuffing and gravy because it warms you from the cold outside?

Now let’s shift to the entertainment industry. In a world without seasons, we lose a wealth of iconic weather-inspired storylines. What happens to “snowed in” rom-com plots, thrilling storm chases, or the sheer joy of weather-related slapstick? No one’s slipping on ice or having a spontaneous beach day. The Hallmark Channel would be reduced to a single plot: “Another Sunny Day.”

Even travel companies would feel the pinch. Why book a trip somewhere else when every destination feels just like home? A snowy ski resort or tropical getaway only works when there’s contrast. Imagine telling someone, “I’m taking a vacation to the exact same place as my backyard, but 2000km away.” Exciting.

In short, living in a world of unchanging weather isn’t just boring - it’s bad business. Canada, with its (bi)polar climate, is a marketer’s paradise. We may grumble about needing snow tires in November, and sandals in May, but deep down, we know the constant change fuels our economy, keeps our wardrobes greasy, and gives us plenty to talk about.

Here’s the truth: Canadians and Brits don’t just talk about the weather - we celebrate it. Every gust of wind, every flake of snow, every drop of rain is a reminder that we live in dynamic, awe-inspiring environments. Plus, it gives us endless opportunities to commiserate, bond, and laugh. Because let’s face it - if you’re wearing a parka in July, or sunscreen in January, you’ve earned the right to talk about it.

For those who grumble about Canada’s unpredictable weather, I get it. Sometimes, our seasons feel less like a balanced cycle and more like Mother Nature threw her mood ring into a blender. But learning to love the seasons isn’t just possible - it’s deeply rewarding. 

For years, hubby and I believed we hated winter. I think it really solidified when the kids were little. It gets challenging and time consuming when you have to keep track of all of the mittens, snow pants, hats, scarfs, boots, etc  But still, after years of believing I hated winter, it became clear to me that we were unlikely to ever live somewhere where it didn’t exist. So, I committed to training myself into liking winter (again), rediscovering the joy I had when I was a small child.

Listen, winter is the season most likely to test our patience (and our heating bills). Sure, it’s cold enough to make your nostrils freeze, but it’s also the season of stillness and sparkle. Have you ever walked outside on a crisp, snowy evening when the world feels muffled under a blanket of snow? It’s magical. Plus, winter gives us an excuse to wear cozy socks, drink hot chocolate by the fire, and test our patience in building a driveway-long tunnel through the snowbanks. Embrace winter by finding (or rediscovering) the activities that make you love it: skating, skiing, snowshoeing - or just marvelling at your dog losing its mind in the snow. 

Then comes spring, which is so easy to write off because it can look so dirty and smell funny, thanks to all of that melting snow (and then rain) turning so many grounds into mud-it’s. However, it’s also that delightful season that provides a tease of warmth that tricks us into putting away our parkas too early. Sure, it’s muddy, and yes, the weather changes faster than you can change your outfit, but spring is all about renewal. Crocuses push through the earth, trees wake up with bursts of green, and you can actually feel the world stretching after a long winter nap. It’s the season for fresh starts and optimism - even if that optimism is occasionally drowned in April showers.

Summer is a fan favorite. It’s all barbecues, long evenings, and the smell of sunscreen and cut grass. But loving summer isn’t just about basking in the sun - it’s about finding joy in the sweltering heat, even when it makes you feel like you’re walking through soup. Grab a popsicle, go camping, jump in a lake, or perfect your mosquito-swatting technique. Summer is the season for living out loud.

Finally, there’s autumn: the quiet, introspective season. Sure, it signals the end of patio weather, but look around. The trees practically explode into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and golds. The air smells like woodsmoke, and everything feels just a little cozier. Love autumn by leaning into nostalgia - long walks through the crunchy leaves, steaming mugs of tea, and the return of oversized sweaters.

Learning to love the seasons is about shifting your perspective. Instead of dreading the changes, find something to celebrate in each one. Winter isn’t just freezing - it’s a chance to slow down. Spring isn’t just messy - it’s full of hope. Summer isn’t just hot - it’s bursting with energy. Autumn isn’t just the end of summer - it’s a beautiful goodbye.

So, the next time you’re tempted to grumble about the weather, try looking at it through a different lens. Each season brings its own beauty, its own challenges, and its own opportunities for joy. Or if someone starts a conversation with “Cold enough for ya?” Lean in, embrace it, and know you’re a part of a proud tradition. Weather isn’t just a topic - it’s our national sport. And besides, life’s too short to complain about something as glorious as Canadian weather.

Ⓒ January 2025. Beki Lantos. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form by any means without prior written permission of the author.