Many of us have put away the lawn mowers, taken out the shovels (for those of us brave enough to put them away in the first place), stocked up on sand for the driveway and sidewalks, taken the air conditioners out of our windows, stored the deck furniture, and made sure we have enough propane for the outdoor grill. It’s the Adirondacks. We grill year round.

Many people shy away from that four-letter word – snow – and don’t want to hear it spoken until the winter solstice in December. But you can’t really escape it when it’s blanketing everything outside.

Yet others love winter. Perhaps we should listen to them more, and we’d be happier this time of year.

We’ve seen the reports questioning why Norwegians are so happy despite the snow, cold and darkness of winter. We’ve also seen the answers to that question, and there’s a lesson to be learned there. Norwegians on the whole, apparently, look forward to winter and therefore don’t see it as a negative. So they’re happier.

Perhaps if we embrace our inner child and celebrate winter, we could be happier, too.

That’s what Saranac Lakers do for 10 days in early February when they build an Ice Palace and host their annual winter carnival. It’s filled with fun, family-friendly events highlighted by sporting competitions, fireworks displays and a parade.

That’s what skiers do. Snowmobilers, too. Those who love to skate, play hockey, snowshoe, go sledding and ride down the toboggan chute at Mirror Lake. There’s so much to love about winter in the Adirondacks.

It’s time for tea and hot cocoa, chili and soup. People especially get excited for Christmas.

In fact, the people who put together the annual Lake Placid Village Holiday Stroll in early December remind us all year about the event. No kidding. On March 14, six days before the first day of spring, event organizers reminded us on Facebook, “Only 286 days until Christmas.” Then on April 12: “Only 253 days until the start of winter!” On May 9: “219 days until the Jingle Bell Run!” Throughout the summer, the posts continued. On Oct. 14: “just 60 days” until the Lake Placid Village Holiday Stroll. And on Oct. 25: “49 days to go!”

These are brave people. Once spring is here, most of us don’t want to hear about snow, never mind Christmas! Perhaps they have more inner child than the rest of us.

Only 35 days until the Lake Placid Village Holiday Stroll, 43 days until the first day of winter and 47 days until Christmas.

Happy holidays, folks, whatever holidays you want to celebrate. We’ve already had a Canadian Thanksgiving and Halloween, so we’re in full swing now.