For many New Englanders, snow is just another inconvenient setback. Whether it takes an extra half an hour for you to get to work, or worse, school gets cancelled and someone must stay home with the kids, many adults these days forget the innocent pleasures sparked by the mysterious white fluffy powder that falls from the sky. Actually, even as a teenager, I had forgotten how much fun I used to have playing in the snow until now. As I drive two hours through the crazy weather conditions, the wind blows the snow into the windshield, and the wheels on the car ahead of me kick up brown mush, hitting my side window. Driving thirty-five miles per hour has never felt so unsafe, but unfortunately, life doesn't pause every time mother nature decides to do a little redecorating. But despite the poor driving conditions, the snow gently coats the trees that lines the side of the road; it covers yards and rooftops--accentuating the colorful Christmas lights and wreaths everywhere.
When I was little, I adored the perfectly fallen snow. I envied the way my neighbor's yard went untouched after a blizzard, because her children were too old to build a snowman or go sledding. However, as soon as the frosty air dashed my cheek, I beamed--my mind already pondering how I should go about building a snow fort...or maybe my brothers and I should start with a snowball fight? Without hesitation, I slid onto my bum and threw my head back into the snow, moving my arms and legs back and forth frantically. I shivered as the snow crept under my scarf, and melted against my warm skin. Mom bundled me from head to toe--I was wearing two pairs of socks and my snowsuit over my pajamas--but it was inevitable. Nothing could keep me from the snow. I stood up to admire my snow angel, just in time to get pelted by a snowball my brother threw. And so the fun began.
Sometimes its good to pause and take a breath and stop focusing on obligations that will reward us in the future. Instead, start focusing on the simple pleasures, the spur of the moment. Snow enables us to slow down and to admire the beauty of the season. And sure, while you might be too big to fit in a snow fort, you are never too old to help build one. There is no age limit to playing in the snow.
