Ah, the first snow of the season. The beauty. The joy. The pure magic. You just can't wait to get out there, to jump into that freshly laid snow and rejoice in all of its wonders. Yeah, that was how I used to feel too. Keywords: used to. As I progress into adulthood, I am realizing that the activities I used to enjoy as a kid and teenager aren't all that they're cracked up to be. Everything that I once enjoyed about having lots of snow has completely changed.
1. Snowball Fights with Friends
I honestly used to love running around outside with all of my friends. There was nothing more satisfying than grabbing a handful of snow, bunching it up until it was so hard that it would hurt when it connected and throwing it as hard as I could. These fights normally resulted in laughing so hard that I couldn't breathe as well as grudges that lasted until springtime. Nowadays, I still enjoy throwing a good snowball and often find myself pelting younger siblings directly in the face. One thing that I don't enjoy, however, is the unforgiving sting that comes with taking a ball of ice to the face. Combined with cold wind and already frozen cheeks... it just hurts.
2. Making Snow Angels
I would be lying if I said that I hadn't tried to make a snow angel this year. Yes, it was embarrassing for others to watch. The snow just looks so soft and inviting. Well - it's not. The snow is not soft; it is not all friendly and inviting. That snow will eat you up and completely encompass your body like it's quicksand. And more than that, it is cold. Once that cold snow gets inside of your jacket, pants or shoes it is all over. Instant regret. Now all of your clothes are wet and you can't even get up because of the snow surrounding you. What's worse: that snow angel will get ruined the second you figure out how to get up. And it was all for nothing.
3. Sliding on the Ice
Now this is just plain ol' fun. It's like ice skating, but less money. The only downside is when you fall... and then you hurt all over.
4. Jumping In Giant Snow Mounds
Again, the snow is not soft. It hurts. And then you're cold and there is snow in places where snow does not belong. Plus you're trapped and you can't move. It's just not a fun feeling. I do not recommend this at all.
5. Having off of School
Not having any school for those of us who are no longer in high school... it's a little short lived. I live at home now and have a few siblings who still go to high school. Let me tell you, it's not always fun when they get to stay home. Too much time with younger kids tends to get on anyone's nerves. School being cancelled normally means that you can't go anywhere - which is both good and bad. Good because no one ever wants to go outside when it's snowing. Bad because I eat everything in sight, meaning that all of the food is gone within a day of not being able to go anywhere. And it sucks. A lot.
6. Building a Snowman
Building a snowman is, admittedly, still pretty fun for me. The only problem is that I can never find my gloves when I want to build one. That just means that my hands will end up red and frozen and completely numb. Not to mention that fact that you have to sacrifice one of your winter hat and scarf combos for the sake of the snowman. With my luck, that perfectly good hat and scarf gets lost and isn't found until spring. By then, you have long forgotten about them and they're soaking wet anyway. Ugh.
7. Drinking Hot Chocolate
Alright, I'm at a loss. There is nothing wrong with drinking hot chocolate. It's still my favorite thing to do when it snows.
As much as the inner child in me wants to love snow as much as I used to, I can't ignore all of the things I don't like about snow, winter and being cold. It doesn't go away just because I want to have fun. For all of you out there who still find things to love about the snow, you keep going strong and holding on to that magic. I'll just stay inside cuddled up in a blanket and drinking hot chocolate.
