Is the main plot in your novel set in the winter? Scroll down to get some tips on how to describe a winter morning in a story.
1. Quiet
Definition
Undisturbed by motion or noise.
Examples
“She awoke to a quiet winter morning as the overnight snow had dulled even the softest sound.”
“The quiet winter mornings were his favorite; he could wrap himself in a robe, sip from a warm cup of coffee, and ponder the day ahead in silent contemplation.”
How it Adds Description
Because winter mornings are often still dark, there isn’t a lot of activity as everybody is still forcing themselves to wake up and start the day. Snow also softens sound, so if a winter morning has snowfall, then the morning will be quiet because of the snow.
2. Still
Definition
- Without movement.
- Free from disruptions or interference; composed.
Examples
“He opened his curtain to a complete still winter morning, not even a leaf rustled outside.”
“Winter morning training runs were made better by how still the rest of the world was around her.”
How it Adds Description
Still adds to the description in the same way using quiet does but with more of a focus on the lack of motion as opposed to the lack of sound. Using still emphasizes that the rest of the world is struggling to wake up and start moving because the cold, dark morning makes them want to stay in bed where it’s warm.
3. Frosty
Definition
- Having a biting chill to the air.
- Covered with ice.
Examples
“Today’s winter morning was just as frosty as yesterday’s.”
“She hated waking up to frosty winter mornings; it made her want to curl back in bed and hibernate until spring came.”
How it Adds Description
Frost is different from snow: it’s icier, colder, wetter. Where a snowy winter morning might be exciting and playful, a frosty one suggests it’s so cold you can’t escape from it as it seeps into the clothes and bones.
4. Serene
Definition
- Completely relaxed and at peace.
- Clear skies with no storms and possibly the sun shining.
Examples
“We stopped at the top of the hill and took in the serene winter morning scene laid out in front of us.”
“The sun reflecting off the snow-filled fields and crystal-lined tree branches made the winter morning feel more serene than cold.”
How it Adds Description
Describing the winter morning as serene evokes images of waking up in a cabin in the woods with a soft snowfall outside. So long as there isn’t a blizzard outside, winter mornings can be serene in their quiet and stillness, even if the character is taking a walk in nature among the hibernating animals.
5. Crisp
Definition
- Cold in a stimulating, refreshing way.
- Easily broken.
- Given to a crunchy sound when tread upon.
Examples
“She opened her door to a crisp winter morning and wrapped her scarf a bit tighter around her neck.”
“The crisp winter morning caused the leaves to crunch beneath the children’s steps as they ran and played.”
How it Adds Description
Crisp is one of those sensory words that activate the senses of touch and sound. It is so cold that the leaves and tree branches have practically been frozen solid, crunchy whenever stepped on, but it’s not a bitter-feeling cold. Instead, a crisp winter morning invites you to wrap up warm and come outside to be a part of it. It is a rejuvenating cold.
6. Snowy
Definition
Having or covered in a lot of snow.
Examples
“Watching out the window as the snow feel on this snowy winter morning made me smile; the softness of it all was comforting to watch.”
“We set out to enjoy the winter morning in spite of its snowiness.”
How it Adds Description
A snowy morning is a morning with the perfect type of snow: not too much, not too wet. Kids can get out and play in it without feeling too uncomfortable. Because snow reduces sound, a snowy winter morning will often be a quieter one, which will cause less feelings of anxiety and pressure to rush around and get moving.
7. Glistening
Definition
Sparkling, often from reflecting another light like the sun.
Examples
“The sun glistened off the snowy fields this winter morning.”
“The snowflakes were glistening as they fell in the winter morning sun.”
How it Adds Description
Glistening shows that the sun is finally out even in the cold and snow. Describing a winter morning as glistening suggests that it will be a beautiful winter day, regardless of what the weather was like the night before or how low the temperature might be throughout the day.
8. Blanketed
Definition
Completely covered, as if by a blanket.
Examples
“Driving to work this winter morning showed fields blanketed in snow.”
“The winter morning was blanketed in darkness still; it wasn’t quite late enough for the sun to be up yet.”
How it Adds Description
Blanketed often immediately calls to mind images of fields and houses completely covered in snow. It can also mean that the darkness of those long winter nights is hard to shake off in the mornings.
9. Dim
Definition
- Not having a lot of light
- With little sun, overcast.
- Indistinct or unclear.
Examples
“The dim winter morning made it even harder to get ready to go to work.”
“She could see the dim light of the day peeking out over the horizon this winter morning.”
How it Adds Description
Winter is known for the long nights, with the sun starting to rise around 8am in some places. Describing the morning as dim not only shows the reader a more precise time the story is taking place, but also highlights how dark the morning is in spite of the sun rising.
10. Enchanted
Definition
- As if by magic.
- Completely happy or captivated.
Examples
“It was an enchanted winter morning with an effervescence in the air.”
“Whenever the snow fell, it made the winter mornings feel more enchanted and storybook-like.”
How it Adds Description
Because snow can sparkle in the sunlight, winter mornings after a soft snowfall can look like it’s created by magic. Using enchanted to describe a winter morning like this helps the reader get that feeling of charm and contentment waking up to such a scene.