Yes, it does get better. I had been abused in a satanic cult in the sixties, and all that it entails, if I made a movie about it, no one would believe it. I have anniversary memories, and have come to know some. Unfortunately I do not have the winter freedom you do. My history really starts at age two, but the abuse started at age three, very delicate years in forming neuro transmitting areas of the brain. Unfortunately when my complex ptsd began, I was 26, now 44, and it started around June and September, and began with deep dark depressions. For a how and why person like myself, I thought I was going crazy. I have come to understand through vivid flashbacks, that certain times of the year mark events that took place, getting out of school for the summer, and going back to school. Without knowing your specifics, I can only give a few pointers.
When a person is threatened with their life being taken, even if it is a suggestion, the mind races on how to get out of this peril, the fight or flight instincts we have. Years later, the mind holding memories from us, plays subtle tricks on us to make us deal with parts of this trauma we have not.
The death could be your minds way of telling you of what could have happened to you, the time of year could be substanial along with it or the part that triggered it. If abuse happened as a child, it can turn into the boogie man being in your head, or as an adult the threat of violence can reoccur in other areas. Ptsd is a very tricky thing to have, and it is a puzzle that doesn't always give the right peices at the right time.
For instance, when I started getting therapy and speaking about my abuse, it brought out an abundance of phobias, that years later made sense. I was threatened not to tell anyone as a child, and was shown horrific events to prove they meant business if I did, and used live bait in human form. Fast forward, when I began to speak of the hideous events, my memories began showing me what will happen to me, because I was telling. It was like I was being hunted down all the time.
It is a puzzle, and if you wish to go further, you can e-mail me. I was trained somewhat by a vietnam veteran on how to get out of my flashbacks, and the only way of thanking him is helping others.
But it does sound like I could give you a feather duster to remove the hidden puzzle peices you have. hope your day goes well, and it is completely normal for where you are right now, even if it doesn't feel comfortable.