If the unremitting gloom contributes to a background condition in which everything seems bad and likely only to get worse, I would like to offer an alternative view. Even during a brighter February, it can be hard to make a case for the superiority of the British winter. Most people, afforded the choice, would go for sunny and freezing over mild and grey. For a long time I was one of them, luxuriating for 17 years in the bright blue sky of the average New York winter and thinking myself extremely clever for getting away from Britain. But this is my second winter back in this country and, having done a real number on myself, I’m here to persuade you that dank and gloomy is by far the better option. We don’t know how lucky we are!