The Simplicity of Snow (PB)

Throughout the years of living in Northeast Ohio, one becomes accustomed to the weather that is expected: snow, cold, clouds, and all four seasons in the same day. It is typical for an Ohioan to complain about this weather, but it doesn’t necessarily bother me, especially the snow.

The winter months are my favorite for many reasons: first of all, it’s sweater weather, which is my favorite. The clothing that accompanies winter weather is always cute and cozy and just fitting for what is taking outside. But it’s not just that. It’s enjoying the Christmas season, curling up next to the fireplace, watching Elf on repeat all day, going ice skating with friends, or just something as simple as watching the snow.

The snow fascinates me and I get excited when the weather man from Channel 27 News predicts snow in his forecast. I don't look forward to the snow days, although they are nice and I don't complain when we get one, but instead I just look forward to the beauty of the falling snow. I enjoy seeing it blanket the Earth, allowing for the green grass that is there from March to November to disappear out of my view. The way the sun reflects off the snow and illuminates it in the morning just brings a smile to my face. The way the snow clings to the trees and turns the world we live in into a winter wonderland always makes for a pretty scene, along with the covering of freshly fallen snow. The way this snow looks is powdery, pristine white, and sparkling in a way that it only sparkles when it is fresh. I could go on and on some more about the beauty of snow, but it is time to move on to the main point I am trying to make...

So I guess you can tell that I tend to find myself gazing out the window at the snow more times than I would like to admit based on the previous paragraph, but while doing this, I have come to realize some other things that accompany the beauty of the snow. Even though the size and shape of snow is complex and intricate, and no two snowflakes are the same, it is so simple, so pure, and so clean at the same time. Along with the snow and this time of year being so simple, life seems to be simple, too.

I read a book a couple years ago titled Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares, which by the way is a great book if you’re looking for a cheesy romantic novel with a sort of adventurous plot, and this has come to be one of my favorite books because yes, I’ll admit I’m a hopeless romantic that enjoys those types of stories, but I also enjoyed it because it was set during the winter and Christmas season. The quote, “I love snow for the same reason I love Christmas: It brings people together while time stands still. Cozy couples lazily meandered the streets and children trudged sleds and chased snowballs. No one seemed to be in a rush to experience anything other than the glory of the day, with each other, whenever and however it happened,” is from the book and there is so much truth behind it. Time slows down, work slows down, school slows down, and our activities slow down. We have more time to relax and spend time with the ones we love. Life becomes so much easier when there is now falling around us because there is no pressure to do anything. The snow holds us inside almost as if it has the intentions of slowing us down. This season that brings the snow allows for us to take a step back from our hectic lives and enjoy the simple things that come along with it

The simplicities that accompany the snow affect people of all ages. Younger kids are able to go sledding, have snowball fights, to catch snowflakes on their tongues, and build snowmen. After that they can come inside in their snow pants and winter coat allowing for the snow to melt and drip all over their moms clean floors (my mom never liked this part) and indulge in a cup full of hot chocolate. Teens are able to anticipate the snow day, so they can go out for late night food runs, put off their homework for the second night in a row, and sleep till noon. Adults are able to relax because their children are able to relax. There aren’t too many things to be stressed about during this time of year and we all have the snow to thank for making our lives a little simpler for a few months out of the hectic year.