Love it or hate it, an early winter has graced Alberta. And with every first snow, I reminisce on a trip down memory lane about every other first snow in my life, and the memories I made on them. Some boring, some ridiculous and some wonderful, it doesn’t matter because the first snow has always been such a happy time in my life, I hope that it is that for you as well!
Now, I know I normally write about music here, but I figured that considering this is top of everyone’s minds, lets talk about first snow traditions!
1. Snow angels. Now this is probably your go-to idea when you think about the first snow. Winter comes and you feel the immediate need to collapse down and lay on the fluffy, white ground. A great childhood (and maybe adulthood) memory for a lot of us! Speaking of which, go outside now and try it if you can! It’s an instant day maker no matter how old you are!
2. Make a snow cake. One of my favourite traditions that I used to do all the time as a kid (perfect if you do have children) is to make snow cakes! I’ll use any cake recipe then decrease the liquid by a quarter cup and add snow instead. Send the kids outside with a cup measure and watch them search for the perfect mound of clean snow! It may be perhaps underwhelming to you, but trust me, kids dig it!
3.Make doughnuts. OK, just kidding, this is my favourite first snow tradition. Every winter my mom makes deep fried doughnuts in the kitchen lathered with sugar glaze and coconut! You need a small assembly line of people to get it done without burning the doughnuts themselves but I promise you, the carbs you’ll consume in the process are well worth it!
4. Make baked goods for your loved ones. This is great if you’re snowed in and bored, or maybe you aren’t sure what to do at the end of the day. Another tradition of my family was to bring out the festive cookie cutter shapes and make what seemed like mountains of various cookies. We’d take these to our neighbours, to the emergency services station, to a random business, really anywhere till we ran out. It was always a very fun and humbling experience as a child!
We all have our go-to first snow activities, I hope you’ve enjoyed a few of mine mostly involving food!
From all of us at 105.3 Rock, we hope you enjoy this first snow and make it a memorable one!
Melissa Thomas is a producer at 105.3 ROCK and on air Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday evenings on 105.3 FM and http://www.1053rock.ca
