Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Today is one of those days that probably inspired the lyrics of that famous song: “Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but inside it’s so delightful. And since there’s no place to go…let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” I live in Michigan, so there is plenty of snow here. But I lived in Canada for eleven years, so I know lots of great things to do on a blustery, winter day. Here are just a few.

My favorite? Grab a warm quilt like this one that my dear daughter-in-law Vanessa stitched for me, and snuggle up with a good book. If there’s a cozy fire in the fireplace or the wood stove, even better. With so many great books to read and so little time to indulge, it’s nice once in a while to be forced to stay home and hunker down. I have a stack of books on my night stand just waiting for a day like this.

My second favorite thing to do is to go for a walk outside. I know, I know, who wants to leave a nice, warm house and go out in the cold? All I can say is, give it a try when cabin-fever strikes. The beauty alone makes it worth the effort, not to mention the benefits of exercise. I love the sound of snow crunching beneath my boots and the way my face tingles from the cold. Nearby Lake Michigan is beautiful in the winter. Besides, when I get home I’ll have a good excuse to snuggle by the fire and read a good book.

Winter is also the time when I like to tackle one of my long-neglected hobbies. Maybe I can finally finish my scrapbooking projects if I’m housebound. I could start a new sewing project, too—like these curtains and window seat cover that I made for my office. This year I purchased a nice supply of sketchbooks and watercolors so I can try my hand at painting again. There are so many hobbies I enjoy doing but rarely have time for, so I make sure I have everything ready for snowy days like these.

Another thing I love about winter is the warm, delicious food that it inspires. Foods like fresh, hot soup and homemade bread. Is there anything more wonderful than the aroma of baking bread? I love to roll up my sleeves and knead the dough myself, but the smell of frozen bread dough baking is just as tantalizing. So is the fragrance from a pot of soup that has simmered on the stove all day. I firmly believe that hot chocolate tastes better in wintertime than in summer. I especially enjoy a cup of hot chocolate when I return from my walk outside and sit down to read by the fire. See how nicely this all works out?

Time slows when we’re snowed in, so why not toss out our to-do list and simply enjoy the day. I know I’ll be tired of the wintry weather by March, but in the meantime I’m thankful for the excuse to stay home and enjoy some of my favorite things. In other words, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…”

What is your favorite thing to do on a snowy day?