How snow days are like a vacation

That's the view out of front door on Monday.

After the first snow day this week, I told my husband the day was like vacation. An unexpected vacation. He laughed. And it is kind of funny.

Here I was recapping our Monday that involved both kids being home all day. Usually, Cate is gone for eight hours and Ben for half that. But, still. For a momma, a break in the routine that frees up some time and releases some responsibilities is like a vacation.

Then on the second snow day, we got out because I had a doctor's appointment, we lunched with my friend who had watched my kids, and then Ben had a doctor's appointment. During that time, there was freezing rain falling and gray skies to cover the entire day. It felt less like vacation, but it still didn't seem like a normal Tuesday.

And now we're on our third snow day this week.

"Snow day" is not really true anyway. We should call them ice days. I apparently live in some weather bubble where the snow goes just north and south of us, and we're left with the ice that covered tree branches and power lines. I don't care for snow, but I would like one snow day that actually involves inches of snow so my kids can make some snow angels, build a snowman and throw some snow balls.

Ice just doesn't work the same way. Still, snow days or ice days or any other expected days removed from routine are like vacation. Here's why:

1. We don't use an alarm in the morning and we stay in our pajamas longer. It also means we've eaten some delicious cinnamon toast instead of grabbing a granola bar as we race out the door.

2. Chores are easier to ignore, meaning I find it easier to sit on the couch with a book. Or two. And when I do get to the chores, there is more time to do them. Even on vacation, we need some clean plates for dinner.

3. The kids play more creatively when they whole day lays free before them. I've let them use Sharpies on balloons they then bat around the house. They've painted. Cate has her Valentine's ready for her class next week. We've written letters and drawn pictures for our Compassion kids.

4. There's new entertainment. Wanting to spice up Monday, I let the kids exchange the movies they picked out for each other for Valentine's Day. I'm notorious for giving Greg gifts early, so it's not really surprising I used the first snow day as an excuse. So they've watched "Stuart Little," "Stuart Little 2" and "Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown."

5. Regular details of my routine don't have to happen. No lunches to pack. No carpool to drive. Errands can wait. No homework in the afternoons. Things get cancelled.

I'm not entirely sure how long this vacation will last, but I know I want to enjoy it while it's here. To fully enjoy it, I probably need to venture out to the grocery, somewhere I usually go at the beginning of the week. But at least I have the rest of the day to get that done.
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