Chris

I am starting to feel S.A.D., the seasonal affective disorder, but not in the way that others would feel this outside of Southwest Florida.

There is a transition from an area with four seasons compared to a season-less climate down here. I find myself in a world of constant warmth. I’ve experienced this similar sensation before while living in Birmingham and Houston between 2001 and 2017. From 2017 to 2024, for better and worse, the seasonal changes felt…natural.

I should not be complaining, because I do not do well in a cold, icy, snowy environment but there is a part of me that does appreciate those changes. There was a break in the humidity and heat, no insects or those g&^#$ mosquitoes. I never enjoyed red faces, icy crystals in my sinuses, blue fingers and toes however.

I do appreciate warm water out of the shower head during the winter and no high gas bills down here where the g&^#$ mosquitoes are year-round.

One would not be aware of the traditional, seasonal holidays such as Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas unless he saw it on a calendar. The song “Walking In A Winter Wonderland” does not apply here.

A few weekends ago was the start of the college football season and Tracy, who is experiencing the ever-green, season-less climate for the first time wanted to make some traditional game day snacks or even comfort food soup that she used to prepare for these situations. It doesn’t apply here, it is not the same.

The flora does not change down here. There are no hues of orange, yellow and brown in the tree leaves. They do not fall unless the tropical winds blow strong- as evidenced by the clean-up after hurricane Helene came through.

We do not need to gather wood for the fireplace, or crochet sweaters, scarves and warm socks. The winter-weather gear was left behind, donated to those who would need it more than we will. I’ll trade a winter coat for my year-round bathing suit every time.

In Florida, every day feels like a repeat of the last. The absence of seasonal markers makes it hard to feel grounded. I miss the excitement of looking forward to the first snowfall or the arrival of spring flowers.

To adjust, we may need to start creating our own seasonal celebrations, or adjust to other non-traditional festivities. Anything else feels like nostalgia or tradition that has very little meaning other than, “we’ve always done this.”

Moving changes you, it should change you. Attitudes, like latitudes, need to change with those moves.

While I miss the seasonal changes, I’m re-learning to embrace the warmth and explore new ways to connect with my surroundings, whether through walks, cycling or seeking out local art and festivities. I’m discovering that even without the changing seasons, there’s beauty and comfort to be found if you know where to look.