Apricity, my new favorite old word
The warmth of sun in the wintertime
Apricity is a word that means the warmth of sun in the wintertime.
“APRICITY!” My friends and I throw our heads back on a Sunday morning when we scuttle and hup up a cross country trail. We meet once or twice a week in the winter outside to play, to chat, and to ski, soaking in the beachy sunshine.
My mom did this, too, she called it Ski and Spree. When she and my dad started wintering Up North she quickly realized she was going to go stir crazy if she tucked in like most do in the winter. She was a particular kind of animal who thrived in a pack.
She and her crew didn’t totally adore nordic, but throw in a delicious soup and wine and she was there. They’d each bring something– broth or corn, lentils, potatoes, onions, celery, carrots, curry, coconut milk and cooked chicken. They’d put a giant pot on a fire and everyone would dump their item in and head out to ski, warming themselves by the fire when they returned to eat. It was tailgate meets workout meets social hour meets camping.
For mom, I seek the apricity of that winter sun each year, and when it starts tucking behind the trees, comfort is hot stew, mittened hands, and a mug.