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This week has been a mess.

There has been no getting around it.

Something about the first few days after a break are always rough and our return from February break is always particularly challenging. Midterms are in full swing, lottery numbers are freshly released and housing wars are in high gear. As an added stressor, the deadline for students studying abroad in the fall to apply to their external programs and scholarships was also in the past few days.
After four essays, two deadlines and a whole bunch of housing drama, it is an understatement to say that this week has been one of serious work, stress and sleep deprivation.

Fortunately, that is not the focus of this article.

In the midst of this stressful week, it was nothing less than a gift from the gods to look out the window of the green room last night—as I entered my seventh straight hour in the library—to see flurries falling over Chapels Field.
This article is a formal expression of my excitement that there is finally snow on the ground here at Brandeis.

Inspired by nostalgia and the possibility for a day off from classes, snow always transports me back to childhood. Every time a school cancelation seems possible, I stay up late and wake up early to check my e-mail for news.

I cannot overstate how happy this weather—though somewhat unseasonable—has made me and how excited I am to spend the weekend frolicking.
Ever since the months shifted into double digits and the air turned chilly, for the first flakes to fall—and, more importantly, stick—and coat campus with frosty goodness.

Some people complain about the snow and its accompanying cold and wet. Let me be clear in saying that I am one of those people. I hate the cold and wet too. My interest in snow is—almost—entirely aesthetic. While I am excited to have a snowball fight or two, I am mostly just glad for the chance finally to utilize my view from Rosie North and stare out the window at Chapels Field.

I love snow and all of the activities that come with snow. So—in honor of the winter weather—I have compiled a list of activities to make your weekend of snow sweet:

Go sledding
Duh.
There is no activity more evocative of first year, than sledding down the hill by the library when the first snow falls. Even though it only snowed a couple of times last winter, I have crystal clear memories of sledding—read: falling—down the hill and climbing—read: falling—back up to meet my friends (… actually, maybe I’ll sit out on the sledding this year).

Go ahead and get nostalgic with your friends. Bundle up, steal some trays from Sherman and hit the slopes!

You might only end up sledding down once or twice before first-years overtake the territory—and you remember that there’s a reason why you generally like your pants to be dry—but it’s worth it for the chance to relive the memories

Have a sleepover
Whether school has already been officially called off or you have decided to make your own snow-day, get together with a group of friends, find an available suite and occupy the common room!

Camp out, watch movies, order take out and take the opportunity to be lazy.
Feel free to stay up super-late and—when the walk from Rosie to East seems a bit precarious—make popcorn, borrow pajamas, grab some blankets and pass out on the couch.

Sleep all day
This is kind of self-explanatory, but I feel like it needs to be said.

If your week has been anything like mine, then there is really only one way to spend a lazy snow day. Nothing sounds better than a day filled with pajamas, tea and a long, long nap.

However you choose to spend your snow days, just make sure that you take a few minutes to hang out and appreciate how lovely campus looks in white—even if your observation is through the window in the green room.