Hard to believe we haven’t gotten much snow yet. Personally, I’m not a fan of cold weather. I’d take a warm, sunny day at the beach over the ice and snow of the Northeast any day. I’m that friend who wears multiple layers of pants and always has a look of pain on her face when the temperature drops a degree below 40.
But, snow… snow is special. Snow is pretty, it makes the whole yard shine when the light reflects on it, and there is so much fun to have when there is a fresh coat of powder on the ground. The priceless look on that little ones face the first time he/she sees it and yells, “Snow!” The joy that even the dog feels as the flakes fall and melt on its nose! Snow opens up a whole new world of fun things to do.
Sledding is the first fun activity that comes to mind. I think I love it as much as my kids. I love any excuse to wear snow pants in the cold weather and it’s the one time that the cold does not seem to penetrate as deeply because the thrill of the speedy downhill ride blocks out the temperature.
There are so many things to do in the snow that can’t be done when it’s just cold out. You can make snow angels, build forts, build a snowman. When they were toddlers, my girls ventured into the yard with their sand toys, buckets, shovels, and food coloring to decorate the snow. It was beautiful!
I also like the winter weather because it provides an opportunity to slow down a little. My family loves to be outside—hiking, biking, running. You name it, we do it. It’s a lot harder to do those things in the winter with uncomfortable cold and ice on the roads. Winter is a good time to catch up on that new series that you haven’t had a chance to watch yet. My ‘To Read’ list diminishes as the spring flowers start to bloom because snowy days mean there is time to read again. It’s also a fun time to play board games. Our new favorites are ‘Watch Ya’ Mouth’ and ‘Reverse Charades’.
Playing games with your kids is so important. It gives them the opportunity to see mom and dad be super silly and maybe show their competitive side. We’re all so busy getting through each day that it’s easy to forget how important it is for our kids to see us as real people too—real people who like to have fun! It also gives the kids the ability to learn how to play by the rules and how to lose at something. Better to learn those things at home with mom and dad before school or friends have to teach them that lesson the hard way.
I love to look out at the yard after a fun day of playing in the snow. There are boot prints traipsing up and down the back hill, there’s usually a path made by the sled making the route faster the more it gets used, remnants of snow balls and snow angels. The tracks go in every direction with no rhyme or reason. Throw in the dog prints from the pup running down the hill after the sled, and the prints made when a bird lands so softly on the snow. It’s a mess, but it’s a beautiful mess. It’s one of those few times that there is physical evidence of how fun an afternoon was.
It looks even better from inside with a steaming cup of cocoa in hand, extra marshmallows for the kids.
When the snow and cold do come, remember to slow down. Read, watch television, play board games and enjoy the down time because spring is right around the corner!
