'In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer' - Albert Camus
'I don't like having my birthday in March'. So began a conversation with a young man 'nearly five' when he explained what is wrong with his world.
I have always considered that hibernation is really the way to cope with the short days and long nights of our northern winters. Lack of sunlight is always rather depressing and midwinter's day in December is a real turning point.
In years gone by, British children spent their days bundled up in layers of clothes and were hampered in their movements. Things have changed; too many children are inadequately clad for low temperatures and adults seem to have little understanding of children's vulnerability to hypothermia.
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