Let It Snow

I take full blame for the all the snow that we’ve been getting lately. It is completely and totally my fault. I’m sorry. But, I can’t say that I regret it. I don’t. I’ve been saying over and over, and to the disbelief of many, that I just wish that it would snow. Let it snow! And it did.

I know. Crazy to wish for snow, right? All the shoveling and the snow days and the messy driving. Who on earth would wish for snow? Well, me. I don’t even mind all the cold that we’ve been getting either (apart from what my electric bill will look like this month). And here’s why:

The boys can play in the snow.

Look, I’m used to snow. I grew-up with snow. Snow in January (and right through to April!) is normal to me. When I was little, my parents would bundle my sister and brother and me up warmly, and send us out to play. And we’d play for hours in all that cold, beautiful, white stuff. My dad would build us a sledding mountain or an ice-rink in the backyard, and we’d have a blast. With all the running and jumping and playing, we didn’t even feel the chill.

Kids and snow just go together. It’s a happy little marriage of wintertime fun.

But not, I think, in Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania we don’t (usually) get a whole lot of snow. At least not since we moved here. Or in comparison to Montreal. Sure, it snows sometimes, but the temperatures aren’t cold enough for it to stick around for more than a few days. So, you get the kids outside as much as possible immediately after a snowstorm. Then, it melts. And it’s wet. And muddy. And cold. Now, maybe I’m a wimp, but there is nothing appealing to me about sending the boys outside to play in the cold, wet mud. Especially since I have to go out with them. Without the snow, winters around here are damp and dreary, without a whole lot of outdoor fun to be had. Last year, all that indoor time wrecked havoc with my sanity. Sure, we did stuff – movies and crafts, baking and games – but there is only so much indoor togetherness that I can take (I love you boys, really I do) before my entire body is screaming “I can’t take it anymore!! Let’s get outside!!”. But not to play in the cold, wet mud. No thanks.

Look, I get that winter is a pain in the bum. The ice, the salt, the cold. I’m not saying that I’d take snow over sunny summer weather. Let’s not go too far here. But, while snow might be cold and wet, it’s not muddy. I don’t need to do the washing or hose down the boys (and dog!) after it’s been played in. Melted snow is way easier to clean off my kitchen floor than December (or January, February, March) dirt.  

Besides, getting outside in the snow is an activity in and of itself, before you even add in the sledding or snow angels or snowman making. Putting on boots and snow-pants, hats and mittens takes at least 15 minutes, and that’s before one of my pip-squeaks decides that he has to go to the bathroom after he’s snowsuit ready. Why do they always do that? You’d think by now it would be routine: Potty first, snowsuit second. Nope. Doesn’t matter. It takes up time. And on those days when I am searching for something (anything!!) to do to keep busy, potty away. I’ll wait. 

I don’t even mind shoveling. It’s exercise. And I’d rather shovel than vacuum or dust. I’d definitely rather shovel than clean the bathroom. Last Tuesday, after our big storm, we even got a little help with the shoveling. As Pierre and I were out, tossing shovel after shovel of fluffy white, a plow went by our house. He stopped, reversed and cleaned the end of the driveway for us. You know, the really heavy stuff that gets piled on from cars passing by. How’s that for a random act of kindness? Much appreciated Mr. Plow Driver. Thank you!

Maybe I’m in the minority in regards to snow. Maybe it’s something in my Canadian blood (although all you Montrealers reading this are probably throwing things at your computers and thinking, “Sure, she likes the snow. It won’t stick around until June!”). I think I’m not the only one though. I think that there are other parents, like me, who have a heartfelt appreciation for rosy, winter cheeks brought on by outdoor fun.

And if you don’t, you can blame me for the snow. I don’t mind.

xo Naomi