Throughout my life I've come to realize that I have a love/hate relationship with snow. Often times I'd rather not see the snow on the ground or feel the cold air and snow flakes on my face, but other times there's something entirely magical about that moment.

I don't know what it is about the cold weather and the darkness of wintertime that lures us to the window, but I know feeling of comfort that flows in between every flake that falls this winter. For me, it's the quiet, hushed and newly untouched world right outside my window, taunting me as I watch. The darkness wraps around like the world like a blanket, only showing us what we can make out with our eyes and allowing us to feel alone in the massive, yet quiet, world around us. It's the snow that falls so gently and silently, that I nearly forget it's peaceful presence. It's the beauty that is both freezing and often dangerous, as well as mesmerizing and playful. It's the ability to simultaneously make you feel alone yet connected with the earth around you as the snow crunches beneath your feet.

Over the years I've come to enjoy the coziness associated with snow days and getting bundled to tackle the snow outside. I remember the moment I feel how cold my cheeks are when I come in from sledding, and the warmth of the hot chocolate hitting my lips while the mug heats my hands. I adore the idea of staying inside and snuggling up under layers of comfy blankets and watching movie marathons all day and all night during snowstorms. The flakes remind me that the holidays are just around the corner and that much needed family time is near and within reach. And from what I've noticed, the snow brings people together; from beginning with the chatter of the first snow fall, to the whole neighborhood helping each other shovel and get unstuck, to bringing family and friends closer as we spend more time indoors, or even taking that fun outside for some sledding and snowball fights.

Regardless of whether or not I actually like the snow, I can at least come to the conclusion that there are many little things I do love and appreciate about the snow and that I am lucky enough to be able to experience them. Granted, there's many little things I hate about the snow, too. But besides that, ultimately there's just that little feeling of magic in the air, a feeling that's usually overshadowed by the worries of the outside world. So next time it snows, stop and look around at that world of wonder, and remind yourself to enjoy what it is again that makes us feel so connected to the surrounding world, even if it's only for a moment.