There is something unique about winter that separates itself from other seasons. Amid winter’s frosty chill, the peaceful season also brings a state of tranquility. The icy air shocks you awake, and no matter how many layers you pile on, your body remains cold to the touch. Walks around the neighborhood can envelop you in solitude; ornate houses embellished in festive decorations, still weeks away from Christmas, provide a sense of wonder. The attentively adorned houses fill up the empty space left by the sleepy trees who have lost their lush leaves during the turn of the seasons.
My first memory of snow was when I was four years old and living in England, a country well-known for its dreary weather. I recall my mom having photos of me dressed head to toe in heavy winter apparel: boots, gloves, fur hat, and a long red coat (very British). I walked outside and found that the ground, which used to be a lush green in the blooming spring, had been replaced with a mystical wonderland of sparkling white. When I touched the snow with my little hands, an unpleasant yet exhilarating feeling spread through each of my fingers. Gathering up my courage, I threw myself into the snow, where I would remain for hours. It was then that I came to an epiphany: I love snow. The English snow offered me a different perspective. But, this year, the winter season has not brought in snow to spread seasonal cheer. Junior Alex Brooks expressed concern: “The weather this fall has been really hot, and I’m a little disappointed because I didn’t get to enjoy my comfy fall activities. If this pattern continues, we might have no snow this year!”
Many teenagers have either never experienced classic winter snow or have not in a long time; this is why snow is so unjustly underrated. Afterall, there is a good reason Long Island is not known for its snow; in 2023, the island only received a measly total of 16 inches. That is nothing when compared to Upstate NY, which received a total of 90 inches. Accordingly, the ever elusive snow day fails to deliver the same enjoyment one might get elsewhere. Junior Noemie Rivera remarked, “I do like it when it snows, but it can be annoying when it gets all gross. We just do not have cold enough temperatures to keep it from melting, and before you even realize it snowed, the ground has already turned to slush.” Although the snow in our area is not as grandiose as it is in upstate or in Europe, when it does snow, it brings on the winter spirit.
Though many of the traditional winter activities such as building a snowman, ice skating, and sledding are outdoor and require a great deal of snow, there are just as many compelling indoor activities like sleeping in with impossibly comfy pajamas, drinking hot cocoa, building forts, or even sitting in front of the fireplace with a good book. Personally, I like to admire the snow from afar and in the safety of my bed under heavy layers of blankets in my festive pajamas. Sometimes, something as simple as enjoying snowfall in silence from the comfort of one’s own home can provide the most joy. When asked about her favorite snow day activity, senior Chloe Brown proclaimed, “My favorite thing to do when it snows is [sit] by the fireplace and [watch] TV. It is a shame that each year the amount of snow days decreases.”
Moreover, when asked for his opinion on snowfall, physical education teacher Brian Hetrick expressed, “I feel snow is very underrated because it gives me such peace watching a snowstorm. I grew up in upstate snowmobiling, and with there being less snow, I have no time to reminisce on those memories.” Due to the recent and rapid increase in global temperatures, future generations hold the very real possibility of missing out on the cold, rosey-cheek memories that we tend to cherish and reminisce about in our later years. All in all, before you begin to groan and complain about the inconvenience of snow, take a moment to think about what you will miss and reconsider the many different aspects of snow to appreciate.
