I’m going to do something here that is admittedly slightly off-topic in so far as this isn’t necessarily an Enviro nor a Just Being a Dad specific idea. To compensate though, I’ll see if I can throw as many eco and/or parenting references as I can.
We all know how much we all like to talk about (or gripe about) the weather. This time of year tends to be one where weather talk begins to heighten since we are transitioning from summer into fall and then onto winter. This is also the time of year because of the transitioning weather where I usually have a debate with someone that centres around which months of the year we like the most and which we like the least. It’s always interesting because everybody has their preferences and when forced to rank the months from most to least favourite, it becomes a bit of a fun challenge. Since I have this debate often I’m pretty confident in my selections so I thought I’d share them with you as well as a brief explanation as to why I feel the way I do.
So here is my list:
1) SEPTEMBER: For many reasons September is my absolute favourite month. I think it starts with the fact that my birthday falls in September (as does my daughter) but I also think that the best weather of the year happens here. Its’ still warm but not scorching and evenings tend to be cooler which is great for walks and sleeping. As a die-hard golfer, it’s also the best month to tee it up!
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: As a Dad, I love it because the kids are back in school and routine returns to our family life!
2) OCTOBER: There is so much to like about October to be honest. The colours are vibrant, the air is crisp and refreshing and there are many festive celebrations taking place.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: There are so many fall festivals and harvest festivals to enjoy. And we can’t forget about Halloween, now can we?!
3) JUNE: By the time June comes around, most of the thaw from spring has passed and the warmth of summer starts to taunt us. It’s also exciting since summer plans are being put together and everyone looks forward to what lies just ahead. I also get to be spoiled just a bit with Father’s Day
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: The kids are delirious as school is about to let out. It’s also fun since all the best outdoor attractions are usually fully up and running by now.
4) DECEMBER: If you can forget that winter is typically making its grand entrance around now, December certainly is the most festive month of the year. Sure there can be a lot of stress but if placed in its proper perspective, I love the chance to celebrate the season with family and friends as well as reflect back on the year that was.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: Do I really have to explain this one?! (Hint: Old guy in a red suit)
5) AUGUST: Its summer but the hottest days are usually just behind us. There are still tones of things to do and places to see, plus some of the local harvest is beginning to appear. Fresh local corn in August with a BBQ is divine!
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: As the Staples ad always reminds us – “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Aside from Back to School, there are still lots of fun things to do with the kids.
6) MAY: The trees are budding, you’ve probably put on shorts for the first time, the sandals have come out…I mean think about what lies just ahead! It’s also the first long weekend and unofficial start of summer so there is lots to like! For my wife she celebrates both her birthday and Mother’s Day around the same weekend.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: My kids love to watch fireworks so Victoria Day is popular with them. My twins were also born in May so they are excited about the month too!
7) JULY: For some people seeing July this far down may come as a surprise. I like the month and I love how it’s smack dab in the middle of summer, but I also tend to not like the weather it provides that much. Where I live, this is the worst time for humidity and summer storms can be at their nastiest in July, so that tempers my love of the month to a degree.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: Canada Day rocks for families! My eldest is born in late July so we have more to celebrate. It’s also a great time to explore this awesome country of ours!
8 ) MARCH: While March can be a pretty sloppy month, it’s also the month where we tend to feel the first signs of the warmth that lies ahead.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: One of our favourite family outings every year happens in March when we visit a Maple Syrup Festival or two. Typically we visit Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area in Stouffville, ON or Purple Woods Conservation Area in Oshawa, ON, but there is no shortage of other options. March Break would also be a favourite thing for kids as well.
9) APRIL: While April is warmer than March, it’s often wetter as well. I used to always get my first round of golf in during April but lately I haven’t been so inclined to slop around the muck just yet and then wait until May. However the beginning of spring does offer some redeeming qualities.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: The Easter Bunny typically shows up in April plus it’s a great time to get out the bikes and get outdoors!
10) FEBRUARY: I actually enjoy winter since I choose to make the most of every season. February is a time where there are lots of fun winter things to do like skiing and tobogganing. It also happens to be the shortest month of the year which is certainly a plus!
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: Kids love Valentine’s Day and making snowmen outside. One drawback is that kids can start to get stir crazy by this time.
11) JANUARY: I think many people dump on January because it follows December and all the holiday merriment that takes place. We usually get smacked with the reality of how much December cost us and how we really need to lose weight but won’t return to the gym after the obligatory one or two visits. It’s a good month for planning but we often have to get past the misery of being stuck with all the darkness and the cold.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: If the kids received a lot for Christmas and you were wise enough to hold back on letting them play with everything, they still can find fun in discovering new stuff to enjoy. Hockey parents will tell you that the early Saturday rink schedule really sucks at this time of year though.
12) NOVEMBER: Well everyone has to have a least favourite month and mine is November. There really isn’t much to like about it to be honest. It’s usually too cold for golf and too warm for winter sports like skiing. The weather is usually at its most dreary (right Vancouverites?!) and personally there isn’t anything I hate more about weather than cold rain that gets into your bones. Sorry November, but there isn’t much to like about you I’m afraid.
PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE: Toronto has the Royal Winter Fair which is great fun. There are also Santa Claus Parades everywhere so kids do have stuff to get excited about.
So that’s my list! Now what about yours? I’d love to see how others rank their months from most to least favourite. You don’t need to give detailed explanations – a simple ranking would do. I won’t pretend my answers are right for everyone…just for me.
Just a quick edit…I would add to October, that in most years, this is when hockey season begins and this Daddy becomes a rampant Blue, Blanc et Rouge wearer 😀
Also, I would argue that November should be in the top 3 as some of our favourite Dad Bloggers were also born in that month….(Ahem!)
Great List!