It is deep midwinter: the days are short, dark, cold, and sometimes gloomy. What can keep the hearts of children and adults living during these snowy times in the Maritimes warm and excited? Looking at the weather forecast and hoping for a snow day, of course. Many young people can relate to the feeling of waking up in the pitch dark morning, ready to get ready for school, when your parent comes in with news of a snow day. University students anticipate a snow day no less than when they were younger as it is a good chance to catch up on some homework and sleep.

The possibility of a snow day is so exciting that people have come up with rituals to do the night before a potential snow day. The two rituals that I have heard kids practicing to increase the chances of a snow day are to wear their pajamas inside out and backwards, and to flush ice cubes down the toilet. There are also other rituals, such as putting silverware or a spoon under their pillow before going to bed, putting ice cubes on the porch, freezing a white crayon, or even running around the dinner table five times. Regardless of whether their efficacy has been scientifically proven, growing up in Newfoundland, we got a lot of snow days. One time, back in February 2020, perhaps way too many flushed cubes and spoons taken from kitchens caused a Snowmageddon that closed schools for two weeks.
Okay, now that all of the snow day rituals have been successfully completed — tomorrow may be a snow day! If you don’t feel like being stuck at home all day, here are some activities that you can do outside after shoveling your way out the house.
The Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre hosts free public skating almost every day during February, March and April; check out the schedule at https://app.rectimes.com/townofsackville.
The Tantramar Outdoor Club offers a variety of activities and services that are available during the winter months. They have family and youth-oriented ski programs as well as ski and snowshoe gear available for rent. Additionally, you can find trail maps, descriptions and trail condition reviews on their website at https://tantramaroutdoorclub.org to get you prepared for a snowy walk.
Mt. A’s Bike Co-op also offers snowshoe rental and information about trails at https://www.masu.ca/bike-coop.
For our younger readers, in case none of the rituals brought a long-awaited snow day and you had to drag your bag to school, there is still an opportunity to explore the trails of Tantramar after class with the trailblazer after-school program for K-4 kids. The program aims to “develop leadership skills and an environmental awareness in our young people.” Participants will learn “shelter building, fire starting, animal tracking and more, to keep youth engaged with the outdoors while being physically active and developing important skills.” For more information and to sign up for the program, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/trailblazers-after-school-program-winter-2025-tickets-1142745154519.
An exciting event coming up next week to cheer up your winter is Tantramar WinterFest. The festival is held from February 6 to 9 with a variety of activities that include community breakfasts, walks, skating, music, craft, fireworks, story time and more. Make sure to check out the full schedule at https://sackville.com/winterfest/.
Hopefully now you have a better idea of how to bring a snow day and what to do when it comes. Most importantly, stay warm and safe no matter the weather.