I told my children a story from my youth…. when I was going to High School in Holland, it used to snow once or twice a year. When it did snow, we got sooo excited of course! The first time I was just excited because I had lived in the tropics all my life and had never really seen it snow. There was a different undercurrent of excitement amongst the students, however. It was like they were waiting for something. As the hours went by and the snow looked like it was going to stick and not just melt, the excitement grew greater. We all went to play in it at recess, throwing snowballs and having the usual fun. About an hour before lunch, things started to happen. We heard noises in the corridors, doors banging, boots stomping, and finally a chant: “Snow Free Day! Snow Free Day! Snow Free Day!” Our teacher grinned as we saw hordes of students marching past our windows and with a nod gave us permission to join them. We followed the crowds and joined in the chanting until we ended up in front of the Principal’s office! “Snow Free Day! Snow Free Day!”

It didn’t take long for the Principal to come out, lift his hand up (reminds me of press conference!) and say - “Go back to your classrooms!” Hundreds of students let out a collective sigh as we all headed back to our rooms. Older student explained to us newbies that this happened every year, and sometimes, just sometimes, the Principal gives in and lets the students have the rest of the day off - “A Snow Free Day”.

And sure enough, just before the lunch bell rang, the Principal gave an announcement over the intercom telling us we could go home and enjoy the snow! You can imagine the cheers and excitement! Ah, tradition!

I thought this was a lovely story to tell my children. You know,.. when I was young… The problem with telling our children these stories is that they usually get thrown back in your face So I realized when I awoke this morning to chants of “Snow Free Day!” “Mum! It’s snowing!!!!”

It was beautiful and some of it was actually sticking! It is a really special thing to have snow where we live, but it does usually happen once a year! And when it does happen, it is very exciting! We took photos, which I will put up later. Those of you who live in countries with LOTS of snow, will laugh! It is so little, but so much for us who never get snow!

I was then faced with this dilemma - it is only the second day of term and the children are asking for a Snow Free Day! Do I give in or not?!

Yes, I did give in Why? Because one day they will tell their children a story of when they were at school and it snowed… and how they marched up to their teacher’s door (while she was still in bed!) and chanted “Snow Free Day! Snow Free Day!” and how their teacher said they could have the day off…. and maybe their children in turn will get to say the same thing to their teacher ….. and …. that is how traditions are born