Why We Love Summer | Gifts from Handpicked Blog
Why Is Summer So Special To Us Brits?
It may seem silly to many about how excited British people get about summer, as soon as any bit of sunshine appears we are out in our gardens, cracking open the beers and practically running to the beach. And no matter how many hot summers we have the novelty never seems to wear off!
Due to our ever changing weather conditions and the very cold winters that never seem to end it is only appropriate that British people find such happiness and joy in the hot weather. Although as I am writing this our skies are very cloudy and it is forecast rain (no surprise there) there are still so many reasons why summer is the best time of the year in the UK, and I am here to tell you why!
THE SUNSHINE!
You have to admit that we all instantly feel uplifted and happier when the sun is out, in an English summer we can (hopefully but not always) expect to find the weather forecast being somewhat warmer and with sunnier days.
There are so many benefits to being out in the sunshine, did you know that being out in the sun and exposing yourself to sunlight is scientifically proven to boost serotonin within your brain? This hormone is associated with better mood and helping your body become calmer, so get out there and immerse yourself in the sunshine...whilst wearing sun cream of course.
Another fun fact about being out in the sun is that the radiation that comes from the sun is known to cause your skin to produce more vitamin D. Vitamin D contributes to bone health and overall good wellbeing. Who knew the sun could have so many good benefits!
The sun is one of our favourite things about summer, and although we won't see it all the time it definitely makes itself known more and more through this delightful month.
You can find out more about the sun and the benefits it can bring here!
BEER GARDENS!
To link to the hot weather that the summer months bring, one of summers greatest joys is going for a cold refreshing drink down at your local beer garden. At the weekend when you are looking for something to do it is always so lovely to go sit in a beer garden, with music blasting, drinks flowing and laughter filling the air. From a range of delicious drinks and food, whilst spending it with your favourite people, what more could you ask for?
Did you know that beer gardens originated in Germany? They traditionally came from underground cellars that were used for drinking beer, they had trees planted near by for additional sun cover, more and more elements were added to these cellars. From wooden seating and more plantation, alas the beer garden was born.
Now you can find a beer garden wherever you are, they have become an British staple that we just love to take advantage of during the summer months, and I can see why!
The history behind beer gardens is very interesting, read this post for more information on the birth of the beer garden.
THE BEACH!
Now more than ever I think all of us are craving for a hot holiday, however this is still not something that is easily accessible at the moment. This is why the beach is possibly one of the greatest places you can go to through the summer months. Whilst the weather is hot there is nothing better than sitting on the beach with fish and chips, an ice cream and the sound of the blissful sea.
If you are in school or perhaps you are a teacher the summer holidays are one of the best times of the year, and there is simply no better place to go in the summer holidays than the beach. As a child I would go to the beach often with my family and absolutely love building sand castles and having picnics on the sand, in fact I am sure I would still love to do that now!
Although you can go to the beach at any time of the year there is just something special about going in the summertime, this is one of the many reasons we love this time of the year so much!
THE ENDLESS BBQ'S!
One of summers many joys is the advantage of being able to sit in our gardens and eat meals, there is something so special about having a BBQ with delicious treats, and for us Brits this is not something we can do often. Having your family and friends round and enjoying a variety of gorgeous food can never be beaten, especially since we haven't been allowed to see people for so long, why not mix our two favourite aspects of summer and have a BBQ on the beach, that way you can have the best of both worlds.
At Gifts from Handpicked we have our favourite foods that go on the BBQ, from kebabs to burgers and even stuffed peppers! To give you some inspiration I have found a wonderful post about the best BBQ recipe ideas which are perfect for summer time, explore it here and let us know if you try any of the tasty recipes.
FAMILY VACATIONS!
Although holidays are not happening at the moment they are still one of the number one reasons that we love summer, even going to gorgeous places in the UK make a lovely family vacation that we can all enjoy. So whether you are jetting off abroad to a gorgeous scolding hot country or simply taking a caravan to the beautiful places in the UK we can all agree that spending time with your family on a holiday is the perfect way to spend summer, especially if it is nice and warm. One of the best parts about the summer holidays is going away, even if its just for a weekend!
Simply having time off work, relaxing and putting your feet up makes the biggest difference. We can understand that family holidays can sometimes be very stressful but even being with your family in a different location brings a great sense of joy to our lives, even if the kids are screaming and bouncing off the walls!
