Blue Monday, the third Monday in January, has been called the most depressing day of the year. Holidays are over. Bills are due. The new year has not made you a new person overnight. Depressing! Even more so in these plague years.

Omicron anxiety, politics, climate news, all combine for a bleak scenario. Add to that gray sky and ice on the sidewalks, it’s hard to find reasons to be cheerful.

Yes, there’s already over 30 more minutes of daylight since the winter solstice. The sun in the afternoon is glorious in the western windows.

And then, snow in the forecast! Sunday morning, we were greeted by a world of snow. No sidewalks or streets. snow on roofs of houses. snow on the evergreens.

The snow was so light, you could sweep the front steps with a broom. It was an easy job to shovel the walkways.

And in the afternoon, blue sky and sun on the snow. The streets were black after the plows went through. The snow on the sidewalks was melting. Children were out in bright-colored snowsuits. People were out walking their dogs. It was good to be out, walking in the sun.

How much snow did we get on Sunday? Oak Park reported 4.5 inches.

More snow on Monday, covering the shoveled sidewalks and plowed streets. It was light and fluffy, too. Maybe another inch or two.

Now, the snow is the color of the sky, and the sky is the color of the snow. It is a world of black and white, white snow on black branches.

And even if subzero cold is in the forecast, the sun and blue sky should add to the winter beauty. Get out those hats and colorful scarves!