Last week, Seattle received the most snow it has seen in over 50 years. Some embraced the wintry weather with open arms, as they bundled up to face the cold, building snowmen and dusting off the old sled. Others picked over the shelves at the local grocery store and prepared themselves for the "big storm.” Wherever you land on the love-hate snow spectrum, there’s no denying there are always things worth loving about this sparkly powder that graces us with its presence each year. So, what do we love most about it here at Western Chief?

NO WORK OR SCHOOL (DUH!)

Too much of anything is never good, but a few snow days scattered throughout the year are always welcome! Unexpected days at home are a gift that you can’t take for granted—as an adult or as a child. Bundle up in your hat, coat, mittens, and some cozy winter boots and go have some fun. It'll sure trump sitting in a classroom or cubicle for the day.

COLD OUTSIDE, COZY INSIDE

Those of us who are fortunate enough to have cozy homes can appreciate the luxury of shedding our icy garments and jumping into a pair of sweats to warm up by a fire (or space heater). Nestling in against the chill is a special kind of comfortable. And, magically, cocoa tastes better when the days are cold. If this has not been a part of your childhood or that of your children's, it’s high time to break out the hot chocolate on the next snow day. Marshmallows are highly encouraged.

YOU GET TO BE A KID

Whether you’re 7 or 56 going on 12, snow days seem to bring out the child in everyone. It doesn’t matter how mature you might think you are—if Larry from Accounting pegs you with a snowball, you better believe that he’s about to eat snow. When you’re out building a snowman with your kids, it's easy to get a hint of that carefree attitude we so often lose as we grow up. Get caught up in the moment. Let yourself be a kid for a little while!

IT'S JUST SO BEAUTIFUL

Snow changes the look of everything. Suddenly, there’s no color, and everything is blanketed in a magical white glow. A fresh layer of snow on your front yard is breathtaking, and there’s nothing better than leaving that first trail of footprints in your wake. They don't call it a winter wonderland for nothing, after all.

IT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER

Did you ever sled with the neighbor? Wage a valiant snowball fight? Or maybe ban together with the neighbors to build a giant snowman? There's something about snow that brings friends and neighbors together. As adults, it seems like everyone talks about the weather, so when something as exciting as a snow day happens, people can't help but share a bit of that excitement with one another.

Hundreds of people were impacted by the storms that hit Western Washington this week and many don’t have warm homes they can go to. If you’d like to support the Seattle community during this time, please visit Seattle Union Gospel's website at https://www.ugm.org/ to donate either financially or with your time or resources.