Tools for Transformation Tuesday: Snow Days Reinvented

Having grown up in the Midwest, I can't help but experience a small thrill of anticipation when forecasters begin to talk about the arrival of snow. I instantly recall fond memories of childhood snowstorms: No school! Sledding! Hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows! Over the years, as my tolerance for cold eventually waned, new joys took the place of spending time in the white stuff: No work! Movie marathons! Curling up on the couch with a good book! So as the snow began to fall and the wind began to blow last week, I tucked into bed, eager to awaken to the sight of a white, winter scene and all its accompanying delights.

As expected, the notice of cancellations on the morning radio was extensive: schools, local government, and the federal government all waved their white flags. But just as my enthusiasm about a snow day peaked, I snapped back to the reality of an active (almost) two year old calling from her crib, "Mama uppa!"

Gone were any hopes of movies and novels. And in the new reality, a snow day means none of our usual excursion destinations are available: no soccer class, no playgroup, no museums, no libraries. Just us. In our cozy (read: small) home. ALL day. So much for the leisurely snow days of years past... 

Faced with no other choice, I swooped up the babe and started moving. I pulled out the construction paper, crayons, and a brand new page of stickers I had been saving for just such an occasion. We sang every song and did every toddler yoga pose I could think of - and when we reached the end of our repertoire, we created new ones! We ventured outside so she could put her hands in a snowdrift. And we spent plenty of time curled up on a couch - reading book after book after book from her shelf. Before I realized it, the day was gone, and we had created a new set of snow day delights to anticipate. 

What new traditions can you create this season?

---