Snow Globes and Sledding

How I Suddenly Found Myself in a Life-Sized Snow Globe

This weekend was FULL.

Full of family.

Full of fluffy and fantastic snow.

Full of wonder on all levels.

My brother and his family visited Maine from Florida to celebrate Mom’s birthday and it was such a lovely time for all. The youngest of the family is a set of twins, age 6. These sweet gals haven’t played in snow since they were less than a year old. So, when the forecast called for 2-3 inches, we were thrilled.

As I stood on the cabin porch Friday night and watched the sheer JOY that was happening for everyone, I was filled with a resounding message: THIS IS IT! This is WHY being outdoors with children with NO structures, NO expectations, and NO real agendas is so vital.

There before me, laughter from age 6 to 70 filled the crisp winter air. Giggles and belly laughs reverberated off the trees around us. Those that weren’t outside with us, watched with faces pressed to the glass, smiling ear to ear; later retelling stories of what they saw.

Snow is joyful. Winter weather is joyful.

As adults we often lament about the chore that snow brings; snow removal, ice, muddy slush, extra gear, cold toes…. you name it we have likely all whined about it at some point.

But, as I often remind myself and you - it is not about us or all the things we have to “do”.

The lightness that winter weather can bring is contagious and frankly, incredibly palpable, should you create just a tiny space to feel it. You can smell the snow in the air, hear the world differently, and meet yourself where you were when you were 4, 5, or 6 years old in an instant.

We spent the next day sledding, building snow people, and stockpiling snowballs for epic and surprise battles.

Do you know what surprised me the MOST?

Not a single one of us had our phones out to take work calls, check emails, or touch base with the world outside our family snow globe.

I cannot remember the last time this happened. We are always so distracted with work, family, running around, to-do lists, you name it that we let this sheer WONDER pass us by. This is why I love spending my days with young children. They rarely let the magic slip by. They have a natural inclination to SEE things for what they are and take their time to interact and explore the world around them. It is the children who have taught me how to live this way again. This weekend, it was my nieces and nephews who reminded me of my WHY, my reason to share my stories with you.

So, Ade- what’s the point of this story?

Embrace winter and all its playful, quiet, wonderful glory. If it feels hard to get outside, try for just a few minutes. Invite a friend for a woods walk. Watch your dog romp in the deep snow and go ahead- try not to smile. :)

Once I taught alongside a woman who was in her 70’s. One of our favorite cohort pastimes was sledding. One day, when we spent the majority of the day on the biggest hill on campus, a child invited her to sled with him. In the sweetest response and warmest tone she replied, “Oh, I am too old to sled".” The child looked at her extremely puzzled and quickly stated, “You are never too old to go sledding!”, grabbing his sled under his arm and heading down the hill with confidence and pride. Later that day, she took a few runs down that epic hill with several children - the joy bubbling from within in ribbons of laughter FILLING the air for all to capture and enjoy a piece of themselves.

I recall this story often, and let it serve as a reminder to never lose touch with the joyful nature of a child. You know, we all have a child within our hearts. It’s up to us to invite them out to play (or sled).

My friend Laura from @littlestoriesthatstick and I teamed up to create The Joyful Winter Play Challenge. We want to see your evidence of joyful winter play. Maybe Winter is a warm time for you depending on where you are in the world, share it with us on social media. Let’s get a big wave of joy moving through the new year. Read more about The Joyful Winter Play Challenge here.

Always beside you,

Ade