Baby, it's cold outside and it couldn't be more perfect.
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Sure, the sub-zero mornings can make it hard to drag yourself out of bed for work, but it's because of these freezing mornings that Canberrans can fully embrace everything that the season has to offer.
That's why, when it comes to winter in Australia, Canberra does it best.
You can dress the part
How many other Australian cities can you legitimately have a coat collection that does more than sit in the cupboard?
Just think, when other Aussies see a beanie or a scarf there's a very good chance they pass on purchasing the winter warmers because they're never going to use them. The ones which usually end up in the shopping trolley are usually black, because the shoppers know that if they're only going to have one beanie, scarf and/or coat, it's got to go with everything.
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Here in Canberra, we're lucky. If you see a bright red coat that will only go with a third of your wardrobe, you can still buy it and you'll probably end up wearing it a third of the time.
Plus, there's a something to be said about the feeling you get from decking yourself out in a coat, scarf and beanie. It's like a comforting warm hug that lasts the entire day.
Winter warmer
Speaking of comforting warm hugs, Canberra's winters are the perfect opportunity to embrace the Danish concept of hygge.
Pronounced 'hoo-gah', it can be best described as a feeling of cosy contentment and wellbeing through the simple things in life. We're talking comfort food, throw blankets and - a personal favourite - fireplaces.
But while it sounds like an excuse to hibernate, one of the key components of the hygge lifestyle is connecting with friends and family. So why not be lured out of your home to somewhere with an open fireplace?
You can sit by the open flame at places like Old Canberra Inn, Bar Rochford and Monster Kitchen and Bar and listen to the gentle crackle of the flame, while catching up with friends. As a bonus, you can warm up your soul with a glass of wine or whisky while you're at it.
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Walk in a winter wonderland
Go outside for a moment and take a deep breath. Really fill your lungs with that Canberra air. It's clean, crisp and, somehow, life affirming.
Now, feel the sunshine on your face, and think for a moment what winter is like in other capital cities. Sure, it might be warmer, but it's also usually raining or at the very least, cloudy. Meanwhile in the capital we have a natural anti-depressant shining down on us.
Studies have shown that sunlight increases the rate of serotonin which results in a better mood and feelings of satisfaction and calmness.
On a more practical note, sunny weather means it's easier and more likely that you will go out and enjoy the outdoors.
Want to get up close with nature at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve? Want to go for a run around Lake Burley Griffin? Or maybe you just want to go for hike? No worries. It's sunny outside so there's nothing stopping you from doing any of that.
Cultural connection
While you're out, why not get yourself in to one of Canberra's cultural institutions? Winter really is the time of year that they come into their own and show the capital - if not the country - what they've got to offer.
If you haven't already, head to the National Gallery of Australia's winter blockbuster Monet: Impression Sunrise. Featuring Claude Monet's iconic piece Impression, Sunrise for the first time in Australia, the show tells the story of how impressionism began.
Meanwhile, Canberra Glassworks' Translating Traditions exhibition opened this week, and features the works of Melbourne-based artists Maree Clarke and Mitch Mahoney. Both artists have been actively involved with reviving elements of Indigenous culture that have laid dormant and have explored the use of glass as a new material.
What's more, most of Canberra' cultural institutions have a good cafe or restaurant attached to it, so you can have lunch after exploring their exhibitions and make a day of it.
Chill out
Now, technically it's not a Canberra winter experience but the capital's location means Canberrans are only a stone's throw away from a winter getaway.
After a long week at work why not head to Thredbo or Perisher for the weekend? After all, it doesn't get much more wintry than snow.
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Hit the slopes with either your skis or snowboard, and spend your days experiencing the meditative rush which comes from speeding through the snow. Not looking for an active getaway? There are plenty of bars and restaurants that you can station yourself at while you watch the snow fall outside.
But if you're not really a snow bunny, you can always take in the breathtaking views in holiday destinations like Kangaroo Valley or - for something closer to the ocean - the south coast.
If you want a tranquil and relaxing weekend, where you can recharge and explore the local surrounds, it's all within a few hours of Canberra.