Christmas season is all about tradition. Leaving cookies out for Santa, watching Home
Alone, putting the star on top of the tree, singing carols – there’s nothing quite like it.
Unfortunately, one essential part of the Christmas season lies completely out of our control. Snow!
Without snow, there is no sledding, there are no snow angels, there is no Frosty the Snowman. And most of all, the trees are bare, the skies are gloomy, and the yards are
muddy. It just isn’t right. After all, Bing Crosby wasn’t dreaming of a grey Christmas.
When the first snowfall finally hits, everything goes quiet as the soft snowflakes dampen
the noise of the outside world. There is an underlying peace. The moon reflects off the
fresh powder in the yard, suddenly sleep deepens, and everything inside starts to feel
warmer.
Snow on the ground naturally amplifies the Christmas spirit. All of the lights and
decorations start to come to life as everything glows, classic Christmas tunes start to feel
more relatable, and so many fun winter activities are now possible. From building a
snowman, to sledding, to ice skating, or just bundling up for a walk, snow is the secret
sauce.
“Waking up to a winter wonderland listening to Christmas music is the best,” senior James
Conde said. “But when you wake up and it’s just a deeper cold fall, it’s just not the same.”
However, when snow doesn’t come during December, there is quite the opposite effect.
When temperatures drop without precipitation, everything just feels dark and gloomy. The
pollution starts to overwhelm the valley; the whole world goes dark within two hours of
school getting out. Things are pretty sad.
Over the past 10 years, snowfall numbers in Salt Lake City have fluctuated a lot. There
were four years with 10 inches of snowfall or less in the entire month. However, another
four times the total was over 15 inches, with a whopping 22 inches in 2023. The average
amount is around 12-13 inches, but anything is possible.
The December anticipation brings a lot of emotions. People watch the local forecast all
month long, hoping for the perfect Christmas storm. This experience can either be full of
fun and excitement, with a fresh storm on the horizon… Or it can be severely disappointing.
If a storm just misses, or everything gets polluted and gloomy, it can often be very draining.
With snow expected but not necessarily guaranteed, it is important that we take advantage
of snow when it comes. When we get snow in December, we need to get outside and enjoy
the fun festivities that come with it. Winter walks, snow angles, sledding, ice skating, all of
it.
“When you think of Christmas you think of snow, snowmen, sledding, hot chocolate,”
Conde said. “Snow provides all of these fun activities to do outside.”
Snow is an absolute necessity for entertainment and activities, especially during the holiday break.
When the snow comes, people can finally pack their schedules full of holiday activities. Even Holi-dates get better with snow as you are forced to bundle up just a little closer with your date in the cold. Everything thrives on snowfall.
Whatever it is you want to do this Holiday season, snow is going to make it better. From
bundling up to go sledding, to staying inside and drinking hot coco, snow outside will amplify the experience. So even though it is completely out of our control, there is nothing wrong with praying and hoping.
Snow is much more than just the backdrop of a Christmas movie night. It is the fuel for all
winter activities, casting a natural light over all the festivities. The value of a white Christmas isn’t just about making snow angels in the front yard. It deepens traditions,
elevates our emotional state, and spreads holiday cheer! Snow provides a unique, quiet
magic that no amount of lights or tinsel can reach. So….Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it
snow!
