The cold temperature and snowy conditions have left plenty of Minnesotans thinking, “Uffda, how am I gonna make it through dis here winter?“

In my opinion, there’s something magical about living in Minnesota and experiencing the distinct seasons that come around like clockwork each year.  I personally enjoy the variety and the uniqueness offered each year as the temperatures change.  Nature provides such a great opportunity to enjoy different activities with friends and family.

At the same time, my wife and daughters sometimes (every 10 minutes) question our odds of survival in this frozen tundra.

To me, the key to thriving in Minnesota’s second season (the other being, of course, road construction) is to embrace traditions and the respite they can provide.

Earlier this week, my family and I traveled to Duluth for our annual tradition of seeing the lights at Bentleyville.  It is truly a sight to behold and it’s something we have enjoyed doing for about 15 years.  Despite the harsh conditions, we spent a couple of days eating our way across the city and taking in the festive spirit each evening.  The lights, music and quaint atmosphere somehow appeals to all of us in a way that brings out the best in everyone’s personality.

Kia enjoys posing for hilarious “glamour shots” in front of the lights and famous Duluth backdrops, while Kaitlin masterfully orchestrates her “family jeopardy” game once we return to our hotel rooms.  Even the men in their lives find unique ways to celebrate this tradition, from Nick’s crazy cat pajamas to Charlie’s 2017 marriage proposal.

Even my wife Kelly, ever the winter skeptic, finds amusement in stuffing our Christmas stockings with all of the survival necessities we will need to survive three days and two nights in the arctic north.

Turns out, when one is having fun and sharing good times with family, the cold doesn’t bite nearly as hard.

Another winter tradition that has stood the test of time is my nearly annual trip to the Brainerd Jaycees ice fishing tournament.  It’s been over 20 years since I was first part of a group that made the trek to support a good cause and the chance to catch a fish in order to win a prize.  While the cast of characters changes, there is enough continuity to the guest list that makes for great conversation and the sharing of stories of past escapades. 

There was the year that 40 MPH winds brought frigid temperatures that blew our gear across the ice and caused several in our group to quit the contest early (you know who you are and will be mocked incessantly about it again this year).  

There’s also the all-time classic when one of my prank phone calls connected to a group of my former students and had them convinced that they had been disqualified from the ice fishing contest (Luke and Chad - are you going up again this year?).

Life would be much better for all of us if people would quit complaining about Minnesota’s weather (feel free to complain about the taxes - I do) and embrace a few traditions to help guide us through.