Snowmen and Season’s Greetings

It snowed. And snowed and snowed some more. I hadn’t seen so much since skiing three years ago. I woke up one Thursday morning a week ago to a world of white. The kids in school watched it fall all day, wishing they could be outside throwing snowballs at each other, stuck inside making snowmen out of socks and rice instead. Personally, I was happy where I was, watching the fat flakes fall as the winter skies darkened and the street lights reflected their amber glow into the classroom. Later, ‘Sleigh-bells ring, are you listening?’ rang out as I hurried past the High Street’s shops on the way home, bundled up in two scarves. Never had that line been more accurate.

December, in Scotland. My first. I had been prepared for some colder weather and snow, but was still surprised by how the temperatures didn’t rise above zero and the snow stayed. Life went on, the pre-Christmas craziness continued. In school, normal lessons were abandoned in favour of Christmas crafts and carol singing. The shops were full of party food and stocking-fillers, the ads on TV for presents of all sorts. Mariah Carey bored you with her usual, I watched people sit in traffic jams on those long, dark evenings. No doubt wishing they could be at home curled up on the couch, but working hard to make enough for this time of year when everyone seems to spend more than they should. There seems to be more pressure than ever to buy the best presents, have the most glamorous tree, throw fancy parties and fit into slinky dresses. Christmas now seems to last a month rather than a day.

One Sunday it had finally stopped snowing. The sun was back, harsh on the white. Everything sparkled. I put on my warmest clothes (it was well below 0) and wandered outside. I didn’t go far; it was too cold. Instead I walked towards the church nearby, hearing the bells chiming for 11 o’clock. They grew louder, people hurried inside. I let them pass, and stood amongst the headstones. The bells stopped, and a soft hush fell. It couldn’t have been more different to the shopping streets and stressful roads of panic-buyers and commercialism. Yet it was all supposed to be for the same thing. For Christmas. That evening I hung up the paper snowflakes I had made above my desk alongside the snowman from school. My boots dripped by the door as the snow melted, and I warmed my hands under the tap.

More snow was forecasted for tomorrow.

My time in Primary schools means I have picked up lots of crafty ideas- so here’s how to make your very own sock snowman with no need to brave the great outdoors.

You will need:

• large white sports socks
• scissors
• strong string or twine
• rice
• double-sided tape
• pompoms, ribbons etc. to decorate

Cut the toe part off the sock and then knot the end tightly with the string. Turn the sock inside out. Now stuff the sock with rice, about half full depending on how big you want your snowman to be. Choose a coloured ribbon and tie it tightly around the centre of the sock, moving slightly more rice to the top of the sock (that forms the head) and the rest for the body. Now fold the top of the sock down so that it forms a handy little hat.

And there you have a cute little guy. Use pompoms for a nose and to add a bobble to the hat and that’s your snowman done.

Enjoy the rest of the crazy season, whether you’re making snowmen out of rice or snow.

Festive wishes to everyone, love you xx

All photos my own 🙂