Daylight savings time should be all year

I’m sure there are a number of rational reasons why we don’t keep the clocks an hour ahead year round. However, I can’t think of any this week. We just set our clocks an hour ahead last weekend. Where I’d much rather gain an hour than lose an hour, it’s been well worth it so far.

Swedes actually smile! The mood of the entire country has seemed to change overnight. The sidewalks and bike lanes are much more crowded than usual. This past week I’ve seen people hold doors for others, give up their seats on the subway, help people with baby strollers onto the bus, pick up newspapers that someone else dropped, etc. You would think this is normal but it is not at all – I thought Swedes were pretty rude. Apparently, they are just rude in the winter!

I should also mention that since we’ve advanced the clocks, it’s been bright, sunny, and (relatively) warm. I’m sure this has something to do with it too.

Sunset this week has been between 7:30 and 8pm. With the exception of today, I’ve actually left work in the daylight every day this week. We’ve even been eating lunch outside. According to the online weather, it’s only hit 55 degrees. However, I was outside sitting in the sun for lunch today for about 45 minutes and I was comfortable in short sleeves. (I’m still a cold weather wimp, though, so it was warm!) My boss was sitting with us for lunch yesterday and he bought our whole table ice cream.

Swedes really take advantage of the sun and warm weather. It’s fun to see. I’m looking forward to another 5 or 6 months like this week.