The first winter always hits hard. Shorter days in an already tumultuous environment of change, and the weather asks for new habits that do not yet feel natural. That first real seasonal challenge is like a second learning curve in itself, testing energy and patience while everything else is already in motion.
For immigrant women, this period is about claiming voice in new settings, keeping culture steady at home, and building small circles that hold. Naturally, the cold leads to discomfort in living conditions but also hinders the bright social environments of seasons before, as many are forced to stay inside in isolation. Winter time also means a calendar full of celebrations worldwide, but this can only compound homesickness. The weight comes from many small pressures arriving together, and that is why the first winter feels heavy.
Despite the weight of this season, immigrant women keep going. They hold culture at home, carry responsibilities at work and in care, and move through change with steady courage. It is also our responsibility to make that work visible and easier. What happens around people in this time matters, because clear information and a kind answer at a counter can turn a stalled task into a step forward. Community groups and local institutions shape how winter feels, and their inclusivity can be the difference between isolation and belonging. As a nonprofit, our role is to stand beside women, recognize skill and leadership, and keep spaces welcoming and respectful. When effort meets support, small gains become momentum, and the first winter reads as proof of capacity rather than defeat.
She Carries Culture 