The Nostalgia of Snow

Driving through Banff, the snow wraps itself around the world like a soft, quiet blanket. The trees, draped in white, look as if they belong in a picture-perfect Christmas card. Each branch is delicately frosted, the snow clinging like a careful artist’s brushstroke, tracing every twig with icy precision. The weight bends the trees ever so slightly, their arms leaning toward the earth in graceful arcs, as though bowing to the majesty of winter. In the pale light, the snow glimmers faintly, turning the forest into a scene so pristine it feels untouched by time. The world feels hushed, as if holding its breath to preserve the stillness and beauty of the moment.

   As the snowflakes dance down, an unexpected emotion stirs within me. It’s not sadness, not entirely - it’s more like the bittersweet feeling of nostalgia. The kind that sneaks up on you when you catch the faint scent of something from childhood, or when you hear the opening notes of an old song.

The snow takes me back to simpler times - when days were spent building snow forts, faces red from the cold but hearts warm with laughter. I see my younger self bundled up in scarves and mittens, cheeks glowing, trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue. It’s strange how something as fleeting as a snowstorm can transport you back decades, bridging the gap between the person you were and the person you are.

But this snowstorm isn’t just about the past; it’s about what I thought this winter would be. I had pictured lacing up skates to glide across a frozen lake, trying desperately to keep up with kids who would have skated circles around me. I’d dreamed of cross-country skiing for the first time, discovering how it feels to glide across open fields, and snowshoeing through silent forests.

I imagined myself awkwardly wielding a hockey stick, stepping onto the ice for a game of pond hockey. I wanted to feel the rush of chasing the puck, the sting of cold air biting my cheeks as I joined in the chaotic rhythm of the game. I’d even braced myself for the brutal yet playful shoves and jostles, the kind that send you laughing into the snowbank and make you feel like you belong. And then there was the curiosity about true winter magic - experiencing sub-20 temperatures and testing the - to me - myth of throwing boiling water into the air to watch it turn instantly to snow. It was all part of a season I’d envisioned.

Instead, as the snow falls in this postcard-perfect landscape, those dreams remain untouched, like footprints that were never made. But even as I prepare to leave, I let myself imagine them one last time, grateful for the beauty of what could have been, even if it wasn’t meant to be.

I’ve made the decision to leave Canada and head south for Christmas. Texas is calling, and I know it’s the right choice. The excitement of something new fills me with hope and a sense of adventure. Whilst I can’t help but feel a tug of emotion these feelings aren’t heavy or regretful. They’re a soft ache, the kind you carry with you when you know you’ve made memories that won’t fade.  The sight of Canada in its winter glory makes it hard to let go, even though I know my journey needs to take me elsewhere.

So, as I drive through this snowy wonderland one last time, I let myself feel it all: the nostalgia, the excitement, and yes, even the longing. Life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect, but maybe that’s part of its magic.

I’ve always been the kind of person who makes a home wherever I am. I talk - sometimes too much - and I love meeting new people, learning their stories, and sharing my own. My time in a small town in central BC is proof of that. I met incredible friends, created memories I will cherish forever, and grew so close to some people that they now feel like family.

Leaving behind such amazing people is never easy. There’s a certain ache in saying goodbye to those who have become such a special part of my life. But I take comfort in knowing they’ll remain a part of my story, no matter where I go.

This time has reminded me that no matter where I find myself, I will always seek out the good, embrace the adventure, and connect with the amazing people who cross my path. That’s the beauty of this journey - each place leaves its mark, and each connection becomes part of who I am.

For now I will leave Canada behind me as I embark on the excitement of this new journey. I’ll carry the memories of the people who made this place so special, knowing that no matter where I go, I’ll find the good, make new connections, and create moments to cherish.