Excellent winter photography and the first impressions that visited me when I saw her this feeling of winter. But it seemed to me that these are small branches that are covered with frosty frost. Interesting comparison, probably it arose because I saw a similar picture recently.
After a detailed examination, the most attention is drawn to the white hair that creates the bulk around itself. It's like a small 3D effect :)
The second thing I would note is the inetern lighting. More precisely to say (as you described above) that the sun shines on the right side, and the light falls from the left. Good cheating view :)
White dominant color (with shades of blue) create a common palette and impression of cold. Yes it really is a winter picture. Thank you.
Good evening:)