Brightness in December

December 8th, 2022

I have noticed it last evening. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something was definitely different as I was preparing myself for the night. After walking around and checking and not finding anything, I finally turned off the lights and went to bed — and then it hit me: It was bright outside! Ok, not bright in its own right, but brighter than it was supposed to be at that time of the year at that time of the night. And answer how come was easy — it snowed all day yesterday and snow created a solid cover on the ground and was reflecting the streetlights and headlights and houselights and cellphone lights. That was enough to make a visible and noticeable change in the mood of the night.

And the same continued today during the day. The world was no longer gray, it was cold and slippery and icy and treacherous on the sidewalks and streets, but most of all — it had the most beautiful white color! New snow covered all the decaying grayness of the fall with an elegant casing of freshness and sharpness. This sharpness was very noticeable — everywhere I looked, everything looked more than 3D, more than any most advanced HD. All the edges were well-defined and razor-like. Colors were more defined by whiteness everywhere. There was no unpleasant moisture in the air, which previously washed down all contours to grayish sameness. The world looked interesting and real again.

And then the sun showed up through the clouds in the mid-morning. The brightness of the sun (which was not seen at all for weeks) combined with the glare of the snow, created a spectacular display. Everybody ran to the window to bask in this long-awaited glorious weather. I was so joyful as well that for a while I even became “this guy” — who cracks jokes, makes fun of everything (and mostly of myself), leads the banter among the guys, and simply is beaming with smile and laughter. And there was nothing fake or forced about it. I didn't even have to think about what and how I was feeling and acting, it all came out naturally and honestly. That was true joy and happiness and laughter again. And all it took was some snow and some sunshine. I guess I am a simple guy like that.