Come on guys, says, JANE MESSINA, there is so much to do around here

If it hadn’t been so long since I’d lived in Los Angeles, I might be doing my usual bitch and moan, making sure everybody knew that growing up, it wouldn’t have been unusual to go in the swimming pool this time of year.

But even I’m tired of that worn-out whinge, and who wants to worry about being swimwear-ready in the winter? So rather than grumble on and on about how dreary it looks outside, I’m going to try to cheer us all up a bit and point out a few things Oxford has going for it in the winter, none of which requires you to watch your weight:

1. Convenience. I can think of five grocery stores that will deliver to your home in Oxford. If you have yet to take advantage of this fact, then you are seriously missing out and wasting a lot of time in your life. We’re talking walk-right-up-your-stairs-into-your-flat-and-put-the-beer-on-your-kitchen-floor kind of convenience. As far as I know, this is a trend that really hasn’t taken off in the US. Well played, England. And if you put on a few from having beer delivered to your kitchen, then go to ASOS online where you can also buy the next size up in trousers and have them delivered the next day.

2. Creativity. Cold, dark days are when people like me and my knitting-obsessed friends shine. We suddenly can’t keep ourselves from crafting delightful handmade gifts. You can take advantage of this at one of the dozens of local markets in Oxfordshire this time of year. The East Oxford Gift & Craft Fair, on December 13, offers mulled wine, minced pies, and massages, too — so don’t worry, you can still get your winter love handles this way.

3. Community. As you may know, I’m always in search of great pubs. In summer, this means great beer gardens, but in winter, this means finding the cosiest, friendliest, and warmest pubs. Daily Info lists some 70-odd pubs in Oxford that have fireplaces, so that means there must be one very close to you. Meet some friends over a delicious pub roast and board game by the fire — if all your friends get chubby too, nobody will know the difference.

4. Charm. Burford is a 30-minute drive away, with several charming villages including Minster Lovell along the way. And having no car isn’t an excuse to avoid visiting an adorable Cotswold village this winter — several buses will get you to them as well if you’re a bit more patient. In America, we don’t do historic villages quite so well (or “history” for that matter), and I’m surprised at how few Oxonians take advantage of their proximity. Now that you’ve put on your winter padding from tips 1-3, you’ll be plenty warm for a stroll around a snowy village.

So what are you complaining about? If you don’t like my tips, shred this column to pieces and use it as kindling. Or go on a diet and move to Los Angeles.

Jane Messina is a postdoctoral researcher at Oxford University studying the geography of tropical diseases