I still have hope that we could have a ‘snow day.' Not because I love snow, although I do (especially since my husband clears the driveway and sidewalks), but because we do live in New England. I want a snow day because they are special, unplanned time to use any way you wish! Snow days are better than holidays, birthdays or vacation days.

Every day on my calendar has something filled in and I always have a long list of errands and ‘get around tos.' I seldom take time to make a big breakfast with eggs and bacon or a good pot of soup or ‘real’ hot chocolate. I hurry to read books, flip through magazines and fast-forward over TV shows. There’s not much time to just play and hang around with the kids either.

But snow days let you slow down – actually, they make you slow down! Staying home (aren’t we lucky to have one); getting a little extra rest (stretching is good for you); making the special French toast for everyone (simple pleasures are best); and gazing out the window at the flakes falling (better than a massage) are snow day activities. Snow days make you appreciate smaller things – maybe more important things, too.

Snow falling can be quiet and wonderful to listen to and the forced pause to pay attention is welcome. Now I’m not talking about a blizzard or anything dangerous, but enough to go sledding and make a snowman. Just one day would be good so we get a break from school or work and not overloaded with the catch up. Enough snow to plow once and not add to the tax or doctor bills. A nice storm to let us know we had winter so we can look forward to spring.

So I’m going to bed with my PJs on inside out and backwards (my kids assure me that’s the trick) and hoping for a break in the weather.