Eggs, Milks, Bread & Beer…the Purchases of Snow

I live in Atlanta and we are expecting snow this afternoon. In the South that can mean a variety of things – panic, traffic, chaos, show days or a quick run to the grocery store for milk, eggs, bread and beer. It’s as if everyone eats French toast and drinks beer when snow arrives. The prediction of snow also means that things will come to a screeching halt. Those of us who have lived here for a while realize that snow means slow down, relax, stay home and enjoy the quiet.

I grew up in the Chicago area where the prediction of snow means nothing will change. The snow plows will hit the roads, the driveways will get cleared, and children will put on their mittens, snow pants, boots and hats to head off to school. Snow happens all the time, so Chicagoans simply take it in stride. They may or may not go to the store, and French toast may or may not appear for breakfast.

It all depends upon what you are used to, prepared for, willing to undertake. Snow means joyfulness and play for children, chores for some teenagers, and larger heat bills for adults. Snow can mean chaos or calm, tranquility and time at home. Or snow can mean nothing changes other than for a little while everything exemplifies the beauty of Winter. Some people love snow, others dread it’s arrival. Some people make more money in snow others face business challenges. I suppose it isn’t really the snow they love or hate, it is the situations it provides or prevent that stir our emotions.

With it being less than three weeks from Christmas, snow would be a welcomed addition to our December. It’s all about how you look at it. It can be beautiful or a nightmare, frolic full of fun, or a grocery store race to the bread aisle. Today I choose to be excited and let the white flakes remind me that the beauty of snow can spread peace and joy throughout the season. And tomorrow we will eat French Toast.