There is, in one word, a kind of magical with snow days. The world seemed to slow with an overpowering hush of the colour white—a kind of serenity from life moving too fast. Snow days for many people are reminiscent of childhood—unplanned freedom and playful activities in the snow, complemented by the warmth of hot cocoa shared with loved ones. It’s a brief reprieve to innocent times and simple joys—an interruption of routine that draws whole communities into shared awe and glee.
Yet, the charm of snow days extends beyond nostalgia.
And, as they represent some of the more rare experiences within a collective way of living our increasingly individualised lives, they speak to the forcefulness of nature against human schedules and priorities. “Snow days push us back in a world that efficiency and productivity take over, and force one to reflect, balancing human connections in light of deadlines. But not everyone looks at snow days with the same warm feeling. For some, snow days bring all kinds of disruptions and challenges, especially with trying to keep work routines going and juggle care of children. The divisions of opinion around snow days are reflected in much larger societal debates on work-life balance, community support, and our relationship with the natural environment.”
By: Morgan Xiao