How to enjoy a snow day

Photo by Maria Hersey

It worked! The backwards inside-out pajamas, the spoon under the pillow, the ice cubes in the toilet – it all succeeded in convincing the Snow Gods to provide a snow day.
Now what?
Most importantly, in order to show the Snow Gods the appropriate thanks for the snow day, you have to get outside and celebrate the snow.
I was thinking of writing a list of things to do in the snow but then I realized how silly and unnecessary that is – the key here isn’t some long to do list of snow related activities – the key is the right attitude of exploration and figuring what is fun for you today.
If I had to write a list, this would be it:

Dress warm, go out and play – explore and celebrate the snow – find the fun
run, jump, slide, lie still, imagine, plan, build, dig, pile, throw

If you are really really stuck, I suggest reading ‘The Snowy Day’ by Ezra Keats. Jack, the story’s hero just goes out and starts mucking about: he listens to the noise of walking in the snow, he watches the tracks he leaves behind, he plays with other kids, he engages his imagination so that he is climbing mountains and of course he slides down a slippery slope, he builds a snow statue and makes a snow angel, he even packs some snow in his pocket for later.
When he gets cold, he practices great self care: he goes in, changes clothes, gets warm, refuels, and finally, he gets a good night sleep so he can go out and do it all over again the next day.
 
Just to be clear: this is not a day to stay inside – if you do so you risk angering the Snow Gods who have given you this snow day.
If the Snow Gods see you inside the whole day, then the next time you put your pajamas on backwards or do snow dances, or holler into the freezer, they will just ignore it.
Your wish has come true – now get outside and show the Snow Gods your gratitude!