From Greece to Quebec: Embracing the Four Seasons

Hey there friends!

People often ask me: “How does it feel to have emigrated from Greece to Quebec, Canada, in terms of climate?”After answering this question hundreds of times, I’ve realized that most people expect me to say something like:“I hate the cold. Greece is paradise. I wish I had never left.”

And yet, my answer surprises them every time:“Of course, I miss my country of origin and my family. But I am deeply grateful to be here, because I have the privilege of experiencing four true seasons.”

Spring in Quebec is pure awakening. Nature stretches after its long winter sleep. Rivers sparkle again, flowers break through the last traces of ice, and vibrant cardinals and blue jays paint the skies with their colors. Rabbits, frogs, and even beavers appear during our park walks, reminding us that life always finds its way back.

Summer is dazzling - a goddess dressed in green. Nature at its fullest, lush and alive.

Autumn? A dream. A Monet painting unfolding outside your kitchen window as you cook, or along the road as you drive. The foliage is breathtaking, a masterpiece of warm hues.

And then comes winter. White. Pure. Majestic. Mystical. Unconditional. Yes, it’s cold. When my family and friends in Athens shiver at 5°C, they can’t imagine -10°C or -15°C, which is quite normal here in Quebec. But the quality of the cold is different. You simply cannot compare two climates-the mediterranean and the continental. I understand their fear; before moving here, I had the same concerns. Would we survive?

Seven years later, I can say this: I appreciate Mother Nature more deeply than ever. The clear distinction between seasons feels like a divine design—a way to witness the wisdom of Creation and connect with God. And during Christmas, the decorations and lights sparkle like magic against the snowy backdrop. None can deny that.

I’m not saying I adore the cold. I’m saying that wherever we are, we have a choice: focus on beauty or on difficulties. I choose beauty - because it makes life easier and happier.

Last Friday, we visited a park in Montreal’s suburbs and its charming little Christmas Market. The temperatures were brutally low, and after 30 minutes, our mediterranean blood couldn’t take it anymore. But oh, what a fairytale! When I lived in Athens, we would pay a fortune to book a chalet in the mountains or travel abroad - Austria, for example - just to admire such views.

So, if there’s a message in this post, it’s this:Always focus on the good side of life. And enjoy the pictures!

Love, Katerina