The Four Seasons Debate

It's not surprising that the favourite conversation of England is about the weather, given that in one day we can go from bright, warm sunshine to snow in a matter of minutes. The sad thing is I'm not even exaggerating. So many people base they day or their week on how the weather is looking on the weekly forecast where the most commonly used phrase is "expect rain" leading to a mass panic about the conditions of the roads and pointing fingers at global warming. It should therefore come as no surprise that we also like to talk about which season is our favourite. For some people this debate is more important than the outcome of the general election or what the future of the Great British Bake Off will be. For others this conversation is more mundane than a digestive biscuit. I, personally, love this debate as EVERYONE has their own spin on it. But people also make loads of little rules for themselves about how they only like a 'certain type' of winter or they only like summer when it's 'not too hot'. So I've decided to give my arguments for which season is the best by doing the pros and cons of every season and I will not chicken out in making a decision in which is my favourite season!

SPRING

I'm going to honest from the start, Spring is my least favourite season. But let's not start with the negatives because Spring can be good. Spring is the time of prancing lambs and budding flowers which can be a relief from the bleaker images we see in the winter months. It's also getting warmer and sunnier which is certainly a nice change from shivering in your own bed at the height of the winter months despite having a duvet, two blankets and a hot water bottle. For the first time in months you get a chance to open your window and not lose your foot to frostbite. Instead, you can listen to the birds singing and feel the fresh, Spring air. Being able to go outside also does do great things for your mental health and well-being.

However, I have a problem with Spring. What the heck am I supposed to wear? We all know about the definitive winter, autumn or summer looks but there is no dress code for Spring. It's quite an awkward time actually because it's too hot for your winter coat yet if you take it off then you risk having to carry your coat and then actually being too cold without your coat so you put it back on. The cycle repeats. Endlessly. Hay fever is also a biggy. And very annoying. Being a sufferer of this ridiculous hyper sensitivity to certain types of pollen can really ruin a walk in the blossoming woods which, although pretty, is ruined by a runny nose and streaming eyes so that you can't actually see the blossom anyway.

Spring has perks such as Easter, April Fools Day and Spanish Paella Day. However, this does not make up for this awkward not-quite-summer-not-quite-winter season which has the alias of being a time of rebirth and colour but is just a time for handkerchiefs and being a bit too hot and cold at the same time. Also, May Bugs, what's that about?!

SUMMER

Summer is pretty fun. Who can deny that getting a tan, partying until the sun goes down (which happens to be quite late) and eating your fill of ice cream is a pretty good way to live. Summer is great. You feel warm which is a rarity that only happens once a year in Britain and you get to have BBQs which are always a blast until someone sets their clothes on fire (I swear that's never happened). Let's be honest here, most of your favourite memories come from the summer either on a beach, drinking cocktails or wearing your favourite sombrero and hitting the town. For those of us in full time education we get a whole six weeks without a shred of school work and no need to get up at seven to don an itchy uniform and trudge off to school.

But, being me, I have complaints about summer. Firstly is that there is actually a time when you can be too hot which is never a fun experience. Being warm is great, but when you're in shorts and t-shirt and the sweat patches are clear as day and no amount of iced water will cool you down then you just feel a bit hot and bothered. Also matching your outfit with your flip flops is always a challenge that most people struggle with on a daily basis and sun glasses have to be a constant companion which have never really suited me and also seem to be permanently lost. And, I can't believe I'm saying this, there is such a thing as too many BBQs. A scandalous statement I know but having your tenth burger of the week can be a bit of a drag.

Summer is hot. Sometimes too hot. But it's certainly a fun time to be adventurous, go out partying and enjoy the amazing sunsets that happen all summer long. The views can be stunning, the water is warm enough to swim in and anyone can rock the summer look. Just remember your sun tan lotion.

AUTUMN

The season of fallen leaves, hot spiced lattes and kids knocking on your door demanding to be fed whilst attempting to scare you witless, aka Halloween. I love Autumn and will happily say that it is my favourite season for a multitude of reasons. First, you can don your winter coat and get into the warm jumpers, scarfs and mittens that make you feel oh so snug. You wake up to frost in the morning and feel the cool crisp air against your face as you kick piles of leaves and listen to the satisfying crunch of decaying dead tree parts. Snuggling becomes a thing, and the image of being in your pyjamas with a hot chocolate and a roaring fire becomes a reality, the only thing that is missing is a Christmas tree. That's another thing, with each day that passes it becomes more and more acceptable to sing Christmas songs and and eat mince pies. It's also the time of celebrating some very weird and wonderful British holidays, like dressing up as a scary monster and seeking sweets, or putting to flames the man who tried to bring down the establishment and the British government and the set fireworks off to show what that might have looked like all whilst eating a toffee apple, the most confusing 1 of your 5 a day you'll ever have.

Autumn is a colourful, crisp and fun month. However, it does have it's down sides. It does rain. Quite a lot. The weather can be pretty bleak and the days are getting shorter which means less time to enjoy the outside world. Nevertheless, it is certainly the most colour season and I will happily call it the best season of them all!

WINTER

Who could hate winter? It's Christmas time! For the entire month of December you are permitted to be as joyful as you wish and you can wear ridiculous jumpers without being questioned whilst "Merry Christmas Everyone" can be played as loud as you wish and chances are literally everyone will sing along. On top of this you get the chance of snow, even more frosty mornings and wrapping up even warmer than you did in Autumn thus meaning you can rock the winter look of scarf, hat, gloves and a colossal coat. The crisp days allow for some epic sunrises and sunsets and everything looks great when covered in a blanket of white fluffiness, also known as snow.

Yet Winter isn't without it's down sides. People's spirits can get pretty low come January as the days are short, it's still cold and Christmas doesn't come around for another 300+ days. Also, here in the UK snow is less reliable than politicians so you may have to keep your sledge in the shed for another year.

But no one can deny that winter is a magical time that does bring out a completely different kind of cheer and celebration that does bring people together.