Five years ago, Dr. David Viner, a senior research scientist at the climatic research unit (CRU) of the University of East Anglia, predicted that within a few years winter snowfall will become "a very rare and exciting event." As our climate is undeniably being altered by human activity, weather patterns are taking an obvious hit all across the United States of America. Before I returned home to New Jersey from San Diego, there as a period of days when it was colder in Sunny San Diego than the notoriously known state of New Jersey for having its far share of harsh winters. How do we know this type of event wasn’t occurring 500 years ago or some other time period? It’s historical to us, in our records, but where it fits in the big picture we really have no idea. The last time it snowed on Christmas in New Jersey was two years ago, and although that seems like not to long ago- the astounding change in the normal weather patterns of the east coast is questioned to be natural or caused by human activity? Regardless, the lack of snow during the holidays hit my family and I deeply.

As it is now January, my brother's middle school ski club can't hit the slopes because not even the artificially made snow will hold it's part. With the hope that maybe forcing positive affirmations into the universe regarding snow, will eventually make the white flakes fall from the sky and stick the ground. I write this open letter to know and commend all the great things it has to offer.

Winter haters step aside because we ice skaters, skiers, snowboarders, and sledders alike need all the positivism we can get to make mother nature grant our wishes.

1. You're beautiful.

Daytime, nighttime, in the middle of nowhere, or scattered across rough times and nearly hanging on to the branches of trees-- snow is beautiful. Movies, books, songs, and pictures have captured the beauties of snow and although the hassle and pain of narrowed streets and shoveling driveways can cause a man to go crazy, if you take a step back and appreciate the beauty of it all, it really is magical.

2. You've given us days off from school.

3. And reasons to bundle up in our snow suits and go outside.

4. You taught us how to throw...

5. And laugh off a hit to the face.

6. It was always fun to see how big of a snowball we could make you into.

7. Or who could make the best snow man.

8. You blessed my friends and me with days spent sliding down the biggest hill in town.

9. Or tubing with the fam.

10. My favorite activity you've given us is-- skiing.

11. And snowboarding for those I believe are a bit more athletically inclined.

12. Thank you for being a miracle of science.

13. And making my Christmas mornings more magical.

Come back to us! We miss you!