In Defense of Snow Days

 In Defense of Snow Days

 

The world is turning upside down.  Theatres are closed, both live and screen.  Restaurants are barely surviving.   Children are learning online.  If you want to call that learning.

Everyone knows that February is the longest month of the year.  Winter is in its 7^th month and blue skies are a thing of another century.  The winter holidays are over, there is little for which to cheer.  But, blessedly, there is one hold out to pure joy and that is SNOW DAYS.

  Snow days are a thing of beauty.  You wake up to discover that the harried day you were about to enter is no more.  If you are fortunate, you can’t even drive anyplace and your school and workplace are shut tight.  No one can call you lazy or malingering for snuggling down for some extra winks.  Even A type personalities can enjoy being the first on the block with a clean sidewalk and driveway.  And just think of those snow day projects you can get to.  The rest of us can build a snowman or woman.  Read.  Binge on your favorite show.  Just drop out for a day.   Better and less expensive than a visit to a therapist or a pill.

Now some fools are trying to do away with that.   They say technology has made all of that snuggling down unnecessary.  We can all telecommute into work.  Teachers can keep teaching online.  Life can go on as if there is no beauty outside.  Just because we can do something does not mean it is makes good sense. 

Let’s face it.  Weigh the value of a day to clear the ice particles that have been accumulating in our brains with a warm cup of tea.   Later in the day, add a touch of spirit to that warmness along with a good book makes the day even better.  Weigh the value of all that against the loss of a day or two of virtual learning or even a day at work.  Truthfully, how much learning is going to accrue as the kids’ wandering eyes leave the 12” screen for the white fluffy coming down outside their windows.  Probably less learning than usual.  And the adults at work will be concentrating on how long it is going to take them to get home and will they be able to do it safely.  Not much work will be lost either.   Really, there is no contest, a snow day wins out.

So, when it is snowing and the roads are rough, let’s call out for a snow day.  And those of you who think technology can cancel all of that, well what will you go after next- the Tooth Fairy or the Easter Bunny.  Save Snow DAYS!