GET ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR NEW CLASSMATES: THE WINTER FAMILY – THAI (VIETNAM)

Hello freshmen, welcome to the class Estonian 101. Let’s have a look around the class to see your classmates. Over there, is the Autumn Family: Sunny Autumn, Golden Autumn, and Leafy Autumn. They are cool, charming and photogenic. Everyone loves taking photos with them. Well, there’re also the Spring Family and Summer Family: Lovely Spring, Awaited Spring, Refreshing Spring, Fruitful Summer, Shiny Summer, and Warm Summer. But they’re on an academic leave, you’re meeting them next year. And I am Oak, a senior student in this class.

“Do you know we’re gonna have new classmates, the Winter Family: Cold Winter, Snowy Winter, and the eldest White Winter?” asked Oak.

“What, the Winter family is moving to our class?” the freshmen asked surprised.

“Calm down. I know you heard some negative rumors about the Winter family that they’re glacial, boring, and difficult to approach. It’s true but it’s not that bad. You just need to know how to get acquainted with them.” explained Oak.

First, the Cold Winter. Although she is the youngest one, she always goes first. I could say she is very fashionable and unpredictable. Her mood fluctuates according to the temperature. When hanging out with her, remember the key to wearing clothes is layering. Wearing layers is important if you plan to walk with her for a long distance. Wearing just a long-sleeve T-shirt, a thick jacket, and a pair of jeans is not a good idea. You should wear a long-sleeve T-shirt, a fleece or sweater, a medium to thick jacket, a pair of thermo underpants, and jeans or whatever you like. And don’t forget the hat, scarf, gloves, and winter shoes.

This is how to dress properly during winter

Second, the Snowy Winter. He’s active, cheerful, and energetic.  He’s an outdoorsman. You can play snowball fight with him. Build ramparts and fortresses to defend yourself. Make snowballs to attack. It’s way more fun to play in groups. You can go sledding on natural hill slopes or artificial hill slopes made from snow. If you can ski or skateboard, it definitely can’t be forgotten. Snowy Winter loves it. But even if you don’t, just give it a try. It could be a fun experience! By the way, Otepää, the so-called Winter Capital of Estonia, is Snowy Winter’s home. You should definitely visit him there while he’s around. Ah, did I mention he is artistic as well? Building a snowman or anything out of snow is appealing to him. Let your creativity go to work. Sometimes he is conservative though. Just have a drink and chat with him in a cozy place, and look at the snowflakes falling outside.

I sledded on a snow hill
I sledded on a snow hill
I tried to ski for the first time (actually I just walked on the pair of skis). You may notice how I dressed for winter
I tried to ski for the first time (actually I just walked on the pair of skis). You may notice how I dressed for winter
I built a snowman
I built a snowman

Lastly, the White Snow. She is a beautiful but difficult to approach girl. This year, she arrived a bit earlier but didn’t stay long. You will see her more often later, in December maybe. The sooner she arrives, the better we feel. Because when she does, Seasonal Depression will move out of our class. Yeah, I know, Seasonal Depression is disturbing. He’s White Snow’s ex by the way. November is the time around when Seasonal Depression sneaks into the class uninvited! He’s a little scared of Vitamin D, though! So don’t forget to drive him away with it! Back to White Snow, you can just admire her beauty and love the atmosphere she creates in our class. What else? She has a very good friend, Santa Claus. The most joyful events they host are Christmas and New Year. They will change our class completely. But it’s another story.

Emajõgi during winter
Emajõgi during winter
A goodbye from our lovely Sunny Autumn
A goodbye from our lovely Sunny Autumn

And once you say goodbye to the Autumn Family, and transitional November has called it a season, get all set to welcome the Wonderful Winter Family in class!

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