EAST AMHERST, NY – There is no doubt the late arrival of springlike weather to Western New York is working on people’s moods.
April has seen an unusually high number of days with well below average temperatures and snow, at a time when residents are normally out working in the yard, enjoying walks, and tilling the soil.
But one couple has found a unique way to beat the bad weather blues, reasoning that if the climate is going to act like its Christmas, then nothing would brighten things more than putting up their Christmas tree.
“Maybe some people like this kind of weather but I would doubt that,” said Marlene Gunsalus, 82, as she sat on the couch of the living room in the apartment she shares with her husband Ernest, just a few feet from the Christmas tree adorned with lights and ornaments.
As the winter weather dragged on through March and into April, Ernest, 78, had noticed a change in his usually cheerful wife of 57 years.
“Yes. Her attitude changed…she was really depressed," he said.
The continued cold, sleet, and gray skies made the normally outgoing couple stay indoors, which also wasn’t to their liking.
“We used to like to sit out on the patio all the time…but lately you can't even go out," he said.
The couple contacted 2 on Your Side about having had their tree up to improve their mood because they feel it’s helped, and thought others might benefit from their positive experience.
"I truly feel different,” Marlene said. “Especially at night, when you put all the lights on. It just does something for you. Maybe it’s all in my head, but I just feel better.”