Winter! That's for the Birds

Winter is a word of warning to Southerners. Knowing it's coming whether we like it or not, we brace for it. Water pipes are covered, we give reminders to drip faucets if it's going to be 32 degrees F or below. Plants are brought inside. (Hopefully all fur babies, too.) Firewood is chopped and made ready to bring warmth and coziness.

I live in north Louisiana specifically, so chances of hard freezes are no more than five times in the winter season. And those usually (and generally) dissipate overnight. But we do get frost quite often, which starts in late fall and ends in the early spring. Snow count is only about half an inch annually.

Nothing to brag about and nothing to make picture postcards with Frosty the snowman in the front yards where I live. Most of the time snow flurries don't stick and we go whole lifetimes without believing that each snowflake might have a pattern because what we see are only tiny flecks of white drizzle floating by, aggravating us, mostly.

To some here, excitement abounds that the "deer will be moving." That means better hunting, but more caution while driving. But it's really not much of a problem, because around here, if there is a slight risk of icy precipitation, roads and schools both close.

Every Southern mom prepares ahead of time with lots of snacks and hot chocolate should school closures occur. And should snow actually (and miraculously) accumulate, you can bet there will be snow ice cream made. There will be extra sugar, milk, and vanilla, just in case!

Really, all kitchens around here will have stocks of vegetables of which to make homemade soup in the crock pots, too. And there will be cornbread muffins to go along with that. And to top it of, a warm fruit cobbler that the snow ice cream would certainly go on top of.

Sometimes I make a big pot of chicken and dumplings on cold days or we have a delicious meal of corned beef and cabbage. (I know it makes the whole house stink,) but I slice apples to put on top of the cabbage while it's cooking and it somehow captures the "aroma." The whole point is to make meals that are hearty and stick with a person for when they brace to get out into the weather.

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So, this would be my winter rituals. Certainly not fancy by any means, but very practical ones. I'm older now and don't have kids to make snow ice cream for, but I still love cooking for my family.

If you get a chance, consider giving winter coats and gloves to shelters and orphaned/foster children's' homes. A little love goes a long way.

One other thing...please consider feeding birds throughout the winter. A whole lot of their energy is used for staying warm. I'm going to leave a few sites with ideas below, too. Remember, winter can be harsh on God's little friends. Take care of them and they will eat your summer bugs.

Footnote: Hi Vocal! Did you know that even though your rules for this challenge allows for a 500 word submission under the Humans category, that at when I tried, I met with (disapproval and no chance of publishing.) This is what your challenge rules stated: In order for your submission to qualify, it must be:

A personal essay or creative nonfiction piece.

Between 500 and 2,500 words.

Submitted to the Humans community. Your story will be disqualified if it is submitted to any other community.

Submitted before December 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.

Your work must be original and unpublished.

So, now it is 600 words and I will submit for approval :)