Dear First Snow Fall of the Season,
Every winter, without fail, you manage to saunter your way into our lives with a blinding flourish. And every winter, without fail, I’m caught off guard. As the sun set last night on our colorful fall scenery, I didn’t imagine I’d wake up this morning to find all those colors hiding under a two-inch layer of cold, colorless, bright snow.
I get it. Really, I do. I mean, I live in the Midwest, winter is right around the corner, and along with that comes snow. And for the most part, I’ve come to accept all that comes along with the snow: cold temps, bulky jackets, snow pants and boots, hats and mittens, scarves, sloppy messes, etc.
And, I have to admit, I do love seeing the joy on my children’s faces as they wake up to learn that IT SNOWED while they were sleeping. Honestly, the knowledge that you’re lying peacefully outside, a quiet blanket over the grass, gets my kids up and out of bed on a school morning faster than anything else I’ve ever tried.
But…as a parent, I just don’t find the same joy in your obscenely early arrival this year. I wasn’t prepared for a morning game of Find-All-The-Snow-Gear, just to discover my son’s boots don’t fit him and my daughter’s hat is falling apart. You know, you’re not helping me feel like I’m winning at this whole parenting thing. And don’t get me started on the possibility of there being more of you coming in time for Trick-or-Treating. Let’s just not go THERE.
Is it really too much to ask for a simple, light dusting to warn us of your impending doom? A little heads up to prepare myself mentally and a reminder to double check the status of all the snow gear? I don’t think that’s an unreasonable request.
Now, as I watch with glee as you melt away in today’s bright sunshine, I kindly ask you to hold off until Christmas Eve, when a nice peaceful snowfall feels magical.
Sincerely,
All moms who were not prepared for the first snow fall
