In winter, the sky in Hunan always appears exceptionally clear, with sunlight filtering through thin clouds to warm the earth just a little. During the cold season, snowflakes gently fall, blanketing the entire village, as if wrapping our childhood in a layer of pristine white. Recalling those days, warmth floods my heart, as bright as the winter sun. I. The Arrival of Snow I remember one winter morning in elementary school when I opened the window and found the world transformed by magic, covered in white snow. The snowflakes floated down lightly, like feathers falling from the sky—soft and beautiful. In that moment, my heart was filled with surprise, as if all my worries had vanished in the expanse of white. My siblings and I, along with the other children in the village, excitedly rushed to the drying yard, our cheers echoing in the air. Our joyful footprints marked the snow, and the laughter of children resonated like the most beautiful melody of winter. Although heavy snow was rare each winter, whenever the snowflakes fell, we eagerly scooped up handfuls of snow, feeling its chill, as if we could grasp the entire coldness of winter in our palms. Then we began to build snowmen and have snowball fights, and amidst the laughter, the cold seemed to turn warm. However, after the snowball fights, I would always end up muddy, and my grandmother would have to wash my clothes. In Hunan's winter, the sun isn't strong, and clothes would take days to dry. I often couldn't help but sigh, “In the cold of winter, clothes are hard to dry, but only warmth remains in the heart.” II. The Charm of the Countryside The countryside in Hunan, though small, is filled with childlike joy. The trees in the village stand with icy branches in winter, silently watching over us. As a child, I loved to eat the ice I picked from the trees. The area beneath the trees and our drying yard became our playground, where we had snowball fights and chased each other until our cheeks were red from the cold, reluctantly stopping. In this chilly season, the warmth of home always made me feel secure. My parents were busy working in the fields to earn their quotas, while my grandmother busied herself in the kitchen. Outside, the snowflakes gently fell, casting a poetic light on our lives. Every time I returned home from school, the children would rush into the house like little birds, anticipating the hot meals and warm laughter. After school, besides playing in the snow, we also had to help gather pigweed. In the snowy weather, the grass was covered with a thin layer of snow, and though our fingers were numbed by the cold wind, we still found joy in the task. Each time we completed our chores, a sense of accomplishment filled our hearts. Moreover, snowy days were great opportunities for bird-catching. I would make my own bird traps, stealthily searching for traces of small birds in the snow, hoping to catch a few. My childhood friends, Jiang Yuanlong and Jiang Yuanhai, were experts at catching birds, with high accuracy using slingshots, capturing many birds each winter. There were also a few lovely girls in the village—Jiang Xiaolan, Jiang Guilan, and Xiao Lanyu—whose laughter echoed through the village, adding color to our childhood. Unfortunately, in recent years, they have all married far away, and it has become rare to see them when I return home. III. Laughter in Winter In winter, although the sun in Hunan isn't strong, it can still cast warmth through the clouds. Whenever the sunlight shines on the snow, the world seems to be coated in gold. We run in the snow, feeling the sun on our skin, warm and filled with joy. One day after school, I and a few friends decided to play on a small hillside by the village. It was a sunny afternoon, and the snow sparkled in the sunlight, resembling a layer of fine white sand. We slid on the ice, initially cautious to avoid falling. However, as we played more, our courage grew. I remember the first time I slid down the hill; I felt both nervous and excited. As I glided across the snow, I felt the wind rushing past my ears, and my heart was filled with exhilaration. Just as I was feeling proud, I suddenly lost my footing and fell face-first into the snow. Snow flew everywhere, covering my face in white powder, and my friends burst into laughter, making me laugh as well. In that moment, I felt the joy of winter; despite falling, I was incredibly happy. We rolled in the snow, built snowmen, and had snowball fights, our laughter echoing through the village. Each fall and each laugh became a precious memory gifted to us by winter. IV. Warm Moments Although winter in Hunan is cold, it is filled with warmth. Every evening, as night falls, the windows of every home glow with warmth, and the streets are filled with the aroma of cooking smoke. This unique winter scent is comforting and inviting. Although the temperatures in Hunan’s winter aren’t extremely low, the absence of heating makes it feel particularly cold. Every year, my hands and feet would suffer from frostbite; though painful, it made me cherish warm moments even more. Whenever I saw my grandmother preparing hot soup for us, warmth would wash over me—that was the most beautiful comfort of winter. V. Celebrating the Festivals Winter is not just a cold season; it is also a time for festivals. Every year during the Spring Festival, the streets and alleys of rural Hunan are filled with a strong festive atmosphere. Lanterns are hung high, and the spirit of the New Year grows stronger. On New Year's Eve, my grandmother always prepared a feast for us, with the table filled with delicious dishes. Each bite was infused with her love. When I picked up the noodles, she would smile and say, “Eat long, have plenty.” When I took fish, she would say, “Surplus and abundance.” Although life was tough back then, my grandmother’s only wish was for us to have enough to eat. Whenever I think of these moments, a wave of sorrow washes over me; it is particularly painful. My grandmother has been gone for many years, but her love and care for us are forever etched in our hearts. After the New Year’s dinner, we would go to bed early, waiting to welcome the New Year the next morning. On the first day of the New Year, firecrackers would explode everywhere, and laughter and blessings intertwined, creating the most beautiful symphony of winter. During the Spring Festival, friends and relatives visit each other, exchanging blessings. Children wear new clothes, excitedly collecting red envelopes, with laughter ringing out everywhere. Each blessing is a beautiful wish for the future. Winter in Hunan feels especially warm due to the festive celebrations. VI. The Beauty of Nature In winter, beyond the laughter of people, there is also the charm of nature. On snowy mornings, everything is covered in white, and the world seems to be cleansed. Walking through the fields, breathing in the fresh air, I feel a sense of tranquility. I often enjoy taking solitary walks in the fields on such mornings, admiring the silver-clad landscape. The distant mountains, draped in white, appear magnificent. The branches of the trees are adorned with sparkling ice and snow, resembling exquisite pieces of art. In that moment, I am filled with awe and gratitude for nature. On snowy hillsides, tea trees bear tea buds, which are particularly delicious. We, a group of children, would excitedly climb the hill to find the tea trees, picking the buds as if tasting the gifts of winter, with the fresh sweetness lingering on our lips. VII. Reflection of the Soul Winter is a season of reflection, offering us opportunities for contemplation and introspection. In this cold season, I often find myself recalling past events, feelings of nostalgia rising within me. Winter nights are long and quiet; sitting by the window, watching the snowflakes fall outside, my thoughts drift back to the past. During this season, I often reminisce about the warm times spent with family. As a child, my mother would take me to play in the snow in the open fields outside the village. Though snow was rare, each laugh and encouragement was a precious treasure in my growth. Those warm moments are deeply etched in my heart, allowing me to feel the warmth even in the coldest winter. Having left Hunan for over thirty years after graduating from university, I now find myself in a different place. Yet, the memories of those winter days continue to shine in my heart. Winter in Hunan has given me countless insights and reflections. Whether it’s the warmth between people or the harmony with nature, these are themes I continually explore in this season. In this snow-covered world, I have learned to cherish those around me and to be grateful for the small beauties in life. VIII. Summary of Winter Winter in Hunan feels like a magical world, bringing us endless joy and warmth. In this season, we not only experience the beauty of nature but also the emotions shared between people. Each laugh and every gathering is an indispensable part of our lives. When spring arrives and everything revives, I will carry these winter memories with me as I continue forward. The wonders of winter, the snow-covered world, warm moments, and joyful events will all become eternal treasures in my heart. Though winter in Hunan is cold, it is made beautiful by the warmth within. Let us cherish every moment in this season, feel the beauty of life, and embrace the hope of the future. As Zhu Ziqing said, “I have never forgotten that the winter sun can always shine through the ice and snow, illuminating the warmth deep within the soul.”