Badge of Honor : Joys of a winter wonderland in Western NY

Lately, Facebook and Twitter have been flooded with posts praising the nice weather we've had thus far in December. People are also voicing their distaste for New York winters and the inevitable snow coming our way. Being a Western New York native, I understand how long and dreary our winters can be, but I also feel lucky to enjoy every season in its fullest, even winter.

I know some of you Buffalo natives might disagree, but the winter season is magical. I can't imagine not having a white Christmas. While it has happened in recent past, I think we all agree, Christmas without snow doesn't feel like Christmas.

I might be one of the only ones, but I am excitedly anticipating the first few inches of snow so I can have some fun with it. For anyone who has never built a snowman, you're never too old to do so. Same with making snow angels and catching snowflakes on your tongue.They're both oddly rewarding experiences.

Perhaps my favorite part of winter and heavy snowfall is snowboarding. I think learning to ski or snowboard is a rite of passage for anyone living in an area with this much snow. Take advantage of the great slopes around you and learn a pastime you'll do forever.

Skiing and snowboarding are like tennis and golf. It's one of those hobbies you'll have your whole life, and you'll always meet people who enjoy to do it too. I learned to ski and snowboard at a young age and some of the best times I had in secondary school were hitting the slopes with friends. When I came to college, I met many people who ski and snowboard and it gives us an excuse to get together in the winter months.

For those of you who don't have the coordination for snow sports, look forward to the season for sledding. I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy sledding, not to mention you're getting a serious workout hauling a sled up a hill over and over again.

My high school friends and I get together at night in the winter and sled behind our friend's house for hours, then enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies while we thaw out. It's a magnificent tradition and it feels good to move a little, since normally we seem to go into hibernation as soon as the snow falls. There's always something fun to do in the snow, as long as you bundle up.

Without the treacherous roads and freak snow storms, we wouldn't have the appreciation we do for the warmer months. When spring finally does come — whether it's in March or halfway through May — people's spirits are instantly lifted and suddenly people are wearing shorts and gardening in 50-degree weather. This past Sunday — normally a day of the week when barely anyone seems to leave the comfort of their living rooms — the weather was in the 60s and Brockport  seemed to come to life. No one can appreciate a beautiful summer day as much as a Western New Yorker. We embrace every second of good weather and use it to its fullest, but only because we know what comes in the winter months.

For those of you who do complain about the snow, I can't rag on you too much. There is some legitimacy in the claim that Brockport has the worst weather. One article by The Daily Beast claims Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo are the top three snowiest cities in the U.S.

While every news source seems to have their own list, those three cities are usually in the top 10 or 15, and Brockport sits right in the middle of two of them. So yes, we're cursed with brutal winters and endless snow, but take advantage of all the things snow has to offer. Remember, we always have spring to look forward to.

Follow Badger on Twitter @megbadger