Snow days are the perfect excuse to enjoy some quality time with your kids (if you don't have to work from home!). You'll finally have a chance to get your money's worth on that cute snow gear [1] you bought for the entire family, the kids will love all the activities you have planned, and after the outdoor fun [2] ends, you'll gather around the fireplace to warm up with some sweet treats, a cosy movie [3], and some hot cocoa. Your snow day will be just like the ones you see on the Hallmark Channel, right? Wrong.
When you're a kid, snow days are magical and amazing. But when you're a parent, they're . . . tough. You have to make sure your kids are entertained all day, sometimes it IS too cold to go outside, and you probably don't get more than 10 minutes of peace before someone says, "I'm bored!" Keep reading for 11 snow day expectations vs. realities that are so real, it almost hurts.
Expectation: Everyone Will Sleep In
Expect to catch up on some much needed sleep. School days have you practically ripping the kids out of bed, but snow days mean everyone gets to sleep in!
Expectation: You'll Have Plenty of Time to Make a Hearty Breakfast
You can leisurely whip up those pancakes your kids have been asking for all week. While there's no time to plan a hearty breakfast on school days and busy weekends, getting snowed in is the perfect time to put your cooking skills to work!
Expectation: Everyone Will Catch Up on Their Work
You'll finally have a few extra hours to meet that work deadline, and the kids can get a head start on their big school project. Everyone will finally cross those unfinished tasks off their to-do lists!
Reality: You Get Absolutely Nothing Done
Forget about productivity when there's a snow day. Your to-do list just got longer because you got absolutely nothing done. And having the kids home all day only adds more work to your plate!
Expectation: You'll Get to Show Off That Cute Outdoor Gear You Just Bought
Finally! You can dig into your closet for you're new snow boats that you know will look perfect with your hat and puff jacket.
Expectation: You'll Get the Kids Outside Early to Enjoy the Snow
Just because it's a snow day doesn't mean you should waste the entire day away. You'll have the whole family bundled up and out the door before lunch.
Expectation: You'll Build the Perfect Snowman
Someone grab the camera, because you're going to build a snowman that puts Frosty to shame. Princess Anna's got nothing on you.
Reality: Your Snowman Can Cause Nightmares
The entire neighbourhood will be talking about your disaster of a snowman. Word on the streets is, it caused more than one local kid to have nightmares.
Expectation: You'll Cuddle Up by a Cosy Fire
Make sure you stock up on extra firewood. Snow days are the perfect time for the whole family to gather around the warm fire and enjoy each other's company.
Reality: The Firewood Is Waterlogged and the Boiler Breaks
Forget cosy and warm! The boiler breaks just when the cold sets in and you're all freezing. You can't even light a fire because your partner left the firewood outside and it got wet.
Reality: The Photos Look Ridiculous
Your little one rolled in the snow the minute you got them outside and now their face is red and they're crying. The middle kids are fighting and whipping snow balls at each other. And, isn't your oldest child supposed to know better than to stick his tongue to a cold pole?
Expectation: You'll Make Cute Snow Angels and Enjoy the Weather
Can't wait to get out and breathe in that crisp, cold Winter air. You'll teach the kids how to make snow angels. Maybe you'll even let lose and start a friendly family snowball fight!
Expectation: You'll Surprise Your Partner With a Delicious Dinner
With all this extra time, you'll give the kids a movie to watch and get to baking. You'll have plenty of time to plan, prep, and cook the perfect dinner to surprise your partner with when they get home, and the house will smell amazing.
Reality: You Give Up and Order Takeout
You were insanely busy all day, you're tired, and you're hungry. Takeout it is.