Ageless Snow Lovers
The last couple of winters in the NYC area have been rather wimpy when it comes to snow. This winter we have had a bit more frequent snow, but no one snowfall has been particularly heavy. At the time of my writing this, we are still over 9 inches behind a normal snow season in Central Park.
This particular post isn’t about snow stats and numbers. In the most recent light snow event, I found myself looking out the window to the street light to watch the flakes falling. For night time perspective of watching snow, it’s the best way to view the flakes as they fly.
I can remember as a child at night, with a pending snowstorm, peeking behind the blinds or shades to look up at the street light to see if the snow had begun falling. I would just sit for long stretches of time, excited when a car’s headlights turned up my street of 107th Ave in Ozone Park, and I could gauge how hard it was snowing as the lights lit up the flakes as if in a snowglobe.
The enchantment of snow often begins in childhood, a time of innocence and discovery. The first snowfall of the season can transform the most familiar of landscapes into a breathtaking winter wonderland, a spectacle that never failed to bring a unique happiness in my heart. The sight of soft white flakes gently accumulating on rooftops and streets ignites a unique sense of wonder and excitement, marking a distinct departure from the mundane sights of pavement and concrete along with bare leafless trees.
When you’re young, the experience of snow is filled with possibilities and adventures. Gathering with friends outdoors, and suddenly having this appreciation for nature. Of course that comes with time-honored activities like building snowmen or igloos. Often, neither of which turned out exactly as planned. The snowmen would end up having a screwdriver or something other than the traditional carrot for a nose. The eyes might end up being two mallomars (though I would never waste them there)l instead of coal, but you get the idea. It wasn’t a competition, but more about the fun of building something together and just maybe, as I get a bit nostalgic, creating a sense of community in it’s own small way.
Snowball fights, often characterized by playful friendly rivalries, also brought a lot of laughter and fun to those cold winter days. Maybe on the rare occasion things escalated a bit. I recall perhaps a snowball toss taking on a bit too much ice and somehow finding its way through someone’s living room window. My memories fuzzy on that, but in the end it was still innocent fun.
Then there was trying to find a hill to slide down when the snow was deep enough. Now I could tell you we all had sleds and would go off to a nearby park like you see in movies, or even on news reports after a big snow. Well, I grew up in the 70’s in Queens, NY. Most of us didn’t have sleds. Those big plastic Whamo sliders weren’t really popular yet. Once again, this called for innovation. We might grab a trash can lid, or flat piece of wood. If really lucky, we would find an old wooden milk crate(yes, I’m old) and use that as our sled. When all else failed, we might just slide down sans nothing, or on our butts.
With those wonderful implements in lieu of sleds, we would often just find the biggest hills in the neighborhood and take them on. I do recall one in particular we would often go to. In retrospect I certainly wouldn’t recommend it, but we were young(teenagers) and a bit stupid.
It was a street we used to call “the Dip”. It was a strange drop from a side street into a busy avenue. The avenue was Pitkin Avenue and there were always plenty of cars traversing the two way road. I will say, we were usually responsible enough to signal the person at the top when it was safe to take the run down the Dip. One of us would stand guard and gauge the traffic. Of course, I think some of us were better than others at judging the speed of oncoming cars. Bottomline is, thankfully nobody ever got seriously hurt.
The sheer thrill of racing down a snowy “dip” encapsulates the essence of childhood, a time when worries are few, and the world is filled with adventure.
Then of course there are snow days. To be honest, back in the 70’s and even 80’s, a snowday was a very rare occurrence. I can remember snowstorms of 6-12 inches and we still had school. I think back on my friend Neil and I walking to our school everyday through it all. One particular scenario sticks out in my mind quite vividly.
We had a very bad icestorm, but yet school was not closed. As we walked to school we would see and hear tree branches crackling and crashing to the ground in front of and behind us, as we laughingly made our way to class. Now, I think if one of those branches fell on us, I’m not so sure I would be writing this more than 50 years later.
The really interesting thing about snow and its emotional impact on people plays out in some telling statistical studies.
Throughout various surveys and studies conducted on weather preferences, snow consistently emerges as a favored element among many individuals. For instance, a survey by the National Weather Service found that approximately 70% of respondents express a strong preference for snowy weather over rain or storms, illustrating snow’s unique charm. This affinity seems to span across different age groups, connecting individuals to a nostalgic appreciation that often dates back to childhood experiences of winter wonderlands.
In contrast to more common weather conditions like rain and heat, snow tends to elicit a more profound emotional response. A study conducted by the Weather Channel highlighted that 65% of participants reported feeling joy or excitement when snowflakes first begin to fall. These findings suggest that snow is not merely a meteorological phenomenon but one that deeply resonates with people on an emotional level. Furthermore, the undeniable beauty of snow-covered landscapes often prompts individuals to engage in recreational activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and building snowmen, further fostering a positive association with the season.
Interestingly, the love for snow appears to supersede preferences for sunshine and clear skies as well. According to a comprehensive survey by the American Meteorological Society, 58% of respondents stated they would choose a snowy day over a sunny one if given the option, underscoring an inherent fondness for winter weather. The pristine allure of fresh snow and the serenity it brings can potentially forge cherished memories and traditions that remain with individuals throughout their lives.
Overall, the statistics place snow in a favorable light, illustrating that many people hold a deep-seated fondness for snowy conditions. This emotional connection helps explain the enduring love for snow, making it a beloved part of the human experience regardless of age.
The thrill associated with impending snowstorms can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the unpredictability of weather conditions lends excitement to the possibility of a snowfall.
Moreover, snowstorms provide a break from the regular pace of life. When forecasts hint at significant snowfall, there is a collective exhilaration that often translates into a temporary shift in daily routines. People anxiously check weather updates, preparing for what may come next, which can create a sense of community as individuals bond over shared excitement. Even the prospect of disruptions, such as school closures or altered commuting, can add to the thrill, as they offer opportunities for a pause from the usual hustle and bustle of life. Of course let’s not forget the run to the store for milk and bread. I would say eggs but, well you already know.
Ultimately, the anticipation of pending snowstorms elicits an emotional response that intertwines joy, nostalgia, highlighting the enchanting influence of snow on our lives.
Of course as adults, the snow isn’t always about fun and games.
For many adults, the prospect of navigating snow-covered roads introduces a layer of stress that overshadows the initial joy the winter season brings. Commutes can become treacherous, requiring careful planning and increased travel time. The allure of a snow day, once synonymous with freedom, is often overshadowed by the responsibilities that persist, such as work deadlines and commitments. Some individuals may find themselves at odds with their affection for snow, grappling with the dilemma of wanting to embrace winter outdoor fun, while acknowledging the challenges that arise from snowy conditions.
To reconcile these conflicting feelings, many adults find a more pragmatic approach. This can include flexible work options such as telecommuting or adjusting work schedules to enjoy the snowy landscape while managing professional commitments. Others may seek to carve out time during weekends or leisure days to indulge in snowy activities, allowing them to reconnect with their love for winter while still fulfilling responsibilities. Embracing this balance is essential; therefore, prioritizing both enjoyment and duty becomes a vital skill for many adults navigating the complexities of winter weather.
Ultimately, finding joy amidst the practical challenges posed by snow can lead to a more fulfilling winter experience. As individuals learn to balance the charm of a snowy landscape with their adult obligations, they can continue to cultivate their love for snow throughout their lives.
In concluding this, while I still grapple with a love-hate relationship with snow in my adulthood, I realize the hate is really because I can’t embrace the snow the way I used to in younger less responsible years. Having a career which largely includes the responsibility of disseminating information about pending snowstorms, I do miss out often on those more innocent joys from a good snowfall.
It’s all part of the balancing act of life. To that, no matter the situation, I will always try my best to get something out of every snowfall that brings that twinge of more innocent times back into my heart.
I still have anxiety the days and nights before approaching snowstorms. Granted it may now be more predicated on the accuracy of my forecast than whether or not we will have a snow day. One of the worst feelings in my career is the forecast bust of a snowstorm. Particularly the misses, not so much the under forecasted accumulations.
In embracing snow, we celebrate its enchantment throughout our journey from childhood to adulthood. The excitement, beauty, and emotional resonance of snowy landscapes remind us to appreciate life’s magical moments, urging us to reclaim our sense of wonder at any age. Engaging with snow, whether through activities or quiet contemplation, allows us to connect to both our past and present.
So I say let us find joy in snow’s enchanting embrace as we navigate through the seasons of life.
OK! Snap out of it Cimino!!!! Is it Spring yet??? Playball!!!
Sunshine Always!!