I grew up in the 70’s in the snow belt of Cleveland, Ohio. Winter weather was serious business and we were prepared for it. Every garage had multiple shovels and ever y closet had layers of winter weather gear, from face masks to snow pants. The rare – and I mean rare – occasions when there was a “snow day” was due to dangerous roads and temperatures, not to mention SNOW! Yes, snow days from school required lots and lots of snow. And in these instances of snow days, there was really nothing to do but play in the snow, or at least try to help one’s parents and neighbors remove it. Snow days in Cleveland literally trapped us in our homes. But it was great fun. After staying in our pajamas for a while and simply marveling in the joy of a being home for a snow day, we would begin the process of bundling up to go out and play in the snow. In a family of four kids, this could take a good hour. We would then excitedly move our heavily layered bodies out of the door and into the snow. It was fabulous! There was more snow than our snow ideas could accommodate! We would build snowmen and igloos and snow slides and more. We would lie in the snow and catch snow flakes with our open mouths. After we could not take a single moment more of the cold, we would go inside the warm house and begin disrobing the layers. Awaiting us in the kitchen was always mugs of hot chocolate. Ay – those were the days.

Today’s snow days, at least in St. Louis, are quite pathetic. I know. Snow days are not just about snow, but about ice and cold. In many areas snow days are called for concern of the many kids driving themselves to school. That reality did not exist for most of us years ago. But I am nostalgic for the good ‘ole days of snow and feel sorry that children of today no longer understand the original definition of a snow day.