Let it snow!

It started to snow on my way home from work tonight. It was by no means the kind of snow that can cause the roof of a Metrodome to collapse but the flakes were big and beautiful and falling steadily.

When my kids heard that it had started to snow, they began praying for a snow day, as if they were desperate for a day off. The fact that in just a few more days they'll start a two week winter break from school didn't matter. What is it with kids and snow days? Having grown up enduring real Canadian winters, I can't help but laugh at what passes for a snowstorm in New York City. A few years ago,  there was even a pre-emptive school closure - the anticipation of a snowstorm was enough for city schools to announce a closure the night before the snow was expected. Of course, it's New York City - the snow never came, schools stay closed nonetheless and every child is hoping for another one of those.

The general rule is that kids love snow days and parents don't. There is a great deal of talk and concern these days about over-scheduling kids and I find it curious that over-scheduled parents are rarely considered the culprits. Most of us are so busy and our days are so full that the disruption caused by a snow day is monumental. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all regain the perspective of a child and just enjoy the snow?

For an appreciative, youthful perspective, take a look at Lerryn Korda's Millions of Snow with your child. If it doesn't make you want to go out, build a snowman with your kids and then cuddle up over a cup of hot chocolate, I don't know what will!

Speaking of hot chocolate, I've said it before and I'll say it again - one of my favorite treats in NYC is Lily O'Brien's Skinny Lily, hot chocolate made with sugar free dark chocolate and fat free milk. Yum! Lily O'Brien's Chocolate Cafe is on 40th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, right across the street from Bryant Park, which is a winter wonderland with shops and a beautiful skating rink at this time of year. Enjoy!