I know there are people out there that MUST make it to work–EMTs, police, ER workers, radio/TV reporters, DOT workers, and many more–so don’t get me wrong. I don’t assume everyone gets a snow day (or snow week, in our case). Heaven knows, retailers (especially online retailers such as Amazon) and postal workers also have to keep up their work.

But I was just thinking about the people who have gotten to stay home with their kids, bake cookies, take the time to write to relatives, and just take life a little more slowly. Because we CAN’T make it to 4 Christmas parties in a weekend, go to the mall, or get gussied up for a night out at the Nutcracker, perhaps we can focus on the reason for our festivities. Some people have no power, which shuts down access to the internet, video games, and DVDs. Maybe we use our minds to read, create, and write now–an option anytime of the year that is usually overridden by our constant access to passive media.

Justin and I went on a walk to the mailbox and to Schuck’s to see if they had tire chains (walking–another benefit of icy roads!). On the way, we saw that the gas station was out of gas, and that Firestone and Schuck’s were out of chains. However, the most heartwarming sights we saw were neighborhood kids playing together, using McClellan’s closed roads as a sledding course, and seeing adults help cars get un-stuck from the snow. We saw another man skiing down another hill.

I’m not excited that we’ll have to go to school until almost July, that my flight was postponed, or that many retailers will face dismal sales this year due to the weather, but I am thankful that I’ve had just a little more time before the holidays to rest, get caught up on that which gets neglected during my busy school year, and enjoy the company of my husband.