Snow. Beautiful, fluffy white snow. For 4 years of my life, I've had the privilege of experiencing snow during the Christmas season. I lived up north and it was guaranteed that it would snow. When I moved back to Oklahoma in fourth grade, it was a shock that there was not any snow. And if there was, it would turn to sludge by the next day.

I love cold weather. I love when the world is so dark with the bright stars giving light. When you breathe and the cold air fills your lungs, it feels like you're alive and it's a breath of fresh air. When the wind is blowing sharply and creates a beautiful whistle- that's music to me. Waking up to a beautiful white blanket on your house, covering your street and cars. It's so simple, yet so beautiful.

Snow gets a bad rap sometimes. What with being cold, causing car troubles and, for parents, snow days. But it's beautiful and it's constantly taken for granted. That's why, this year, the only thing I want for Christmas is snow. In today's world, everyone is running around at 100 mph, just going through the motions of life. Everyone is too busy with trying to get that promotion, studying for finals or trying to become top of their class. These things start to become us, overpower who we are and distract us from the beauty of our surroundings. That's why snow is so perfect. It delays your life, it makes you stop and think for a second. The cold harshness wakes you up and says, "Slow down for a minute. Breathe."

This year, I challenge everyone to forget about what has you running around crazily. Forget about the things that you're losing sleep over. Forget about the presents, and instead, focus on the magic of the season.

I know how simple it is to get wrapped up in the gifts and forget about the true meaning of Christmas. That is why, this year, I'm ditching the presents. All I want for Christmas is snow. I am a firm believer in that in life, you have to have one thing that keeps you sane. For me, I find joy in the simplest things. Things like nature make me want to jump for joy, things like snow make me want to go outside and just stay there. It's absolutely peaceful and tranquil. It's silent and tells a story.

For those of you that will get to experience snow this season, don't take it for granted. Go build a snow family, have a snowball fight or sit outside for a couple of minutes and take it in. For those of us that won't be able to, it's alright. Have faith, maybe a Christmas miracle will bring us some.