What is the purpose of winter?

I understand that winter is caused by the tilt of the earth's axis, which causes the northern hemisphere to be tilted toward the sun half of the year, and tilted away from the sun the other half of the year. I understand how that works. I just don't know what positive purpose this serves in our lives.

These are some things that I dislike about winter:

The bitter cold.

All the extra time it takes to bundle up before going outside.

All the time it takes to take off all those outer layers after you get to where you’re going.

Breaking your back shoveling snow (especially the wet, heavy stuff that we tend to get in March).

Unsafe driving conditions.

Longer commutes, due to traffic being slowed way down after a heavy snowfall.

Unsafe walking conditions, when the sidewalks are covered with ice and drivers have trouble stopping at intersections.

Trudging through knee-deep snow to get to the bus stop, or the neighborhood convenience store, when neighbors can’t be bothered to shovel their sidewalks.

Buses being delayed, possibly making you late for work. Trying to catch an earlier bus to make it on time, only to end up waiting an eternity for the bus to come and freezing to death at the bus stop.

Snow and/or slush getting into your boots, if it’s too high or they aren’t completely waterproof, leaving you with soaking wet socks.

Runny nose, from being out in the cold too long.

Catching cold, probably from being cooped up inside too much.

Nosebleeds, caused by dryness in the air.

Lips, and skin over the knuckles cracking open, also caused by dryness in the air.

Getting on each other’s nerves, from being cooped up together inside all the time.


Can you think of any good things about winter?