Experiencing Snowfall For The First Time
To see something for the first time, is to see it in its purest and most magical form of beauty. That’s how I felt experiencing snowfall for the first time.
While I have experienced settled snow before, I had never experienced snowfall and have it settle inches high all at once until just a few days ago. It is a tale as old as time, but I did not know what it was like to walk through thick layers of snow while it fell from the sky and covered everything in sight to create a breath-taking wonderland.
I woke to darkness, but the stars had disappeared, and moonlight only lingered. The frosted windows around me were the first sign of a desired wintery possibility.
The weather app on my phone read a 90% chance of snow, but this has happened before, and it rained instead. So, I didn’t have my high hopes, but I got ready nonetheless so I could run out the door at any moment.
And it did snow.
It began with a thin layer on the rooftops and icicles on leaves, but soon enough, it got heavier and heavier. The sound of the ice breaking under my boots was the most soothing hymn of nature, and I took a walk without any musical distractions, to fully enjoy the rare sounds.
I walked along my regular canal route where the murky water was frozen over, and the ducks waddled across the icy surface instead gliding through the waves. The trees shook snowflakes onto my hood rather than raindrops, and now, people on my route greeted each other with a friendly ‘hello’ rather than offering a smile. You could feel the change of pace both physically and metaphorically.
Of course, if you have lived with snow your whole life or even for a few years, this white blanket of beauty is so normal that you may not really think much of it other than how it’s a real pain to deal with. However, growing up in Kenya and then moving to England where the country can go years without snow, this “typical” weather pattern is so much more than nature taking its rightful course.
I don’t think I will ever forget the first time I experienced snow in its fullest, most magnificent form and looking through my camera roll only a week later, stirs up emotions of happiness and childlike elation. There was no snowball fight or building of snowmen on the first day, but for those few hours that I was out on my own, I forgot about the pandemic, I forgot about my anxieties and felt absolute bliss.
Not to be dramatic but that day was like a dream come true, a check off my bucket list, because to be surrounded by something that you’ve always dreamt of your whole life, is bewitching.
Much like travelling, there is a sense of appreciation for things uncommon to our daily lives because it is like a breath of fresh air and welcomed change to a routine – and I can’t wait till I can enjoy it all over again. Maybe even in a different country!
I’d love to here your first time snow stories as well. Tell me all what it was like experiencing snowfall for the first time in the comments below!
16 Comments
Khilna
Thank you for that walk, felt like I was your silent companion
Sanika Shah
Grateful☺️
Minali
Wow ! I am honeslty mesmorised how through your words, you painted a picture of absoloute paradise!
It is indeed very true that we appreciate the events that are most rare. Thank You for reminding us to appreciate and live in the moment !
Sanika Shah
This made me so emotional🥺 Thank you so much for your sweet words❤️
Hemalvi
I remember this feeling so well – my first snow was in the Spring of 2008 (unexpectedly in April!) a few months after I moved to the UK from Kenya and it was so beautiful watching it fall and seeing the white blanket build up! It made me feel so happy, peaceful and childlike then and it still does the same now.
Sanika Shah
Wow, global warming at its finest😔 But I love this! Seems like we all have such similar experiences😊
Carmen
I love the snow so much! Your words reminded me of when I used to see a deep blanket of snow almost every winter when I was in Primary. Getting to go out and play snowball fights and build snowmen! Love the post!
Sanika Shah
Not sure if I would have had the motivation to go to school, but I would have loved to throw snowballs at you😂❤️
Ashruti
It’s so intriguing that your first snow experience was in 2021! I don’t think I remember mine but it was definitely after the age of 2 after arriving to the UK from Africa. Glad you enjoyed it! :)))
Sanika Shah
Thank you!😊
Dhruv
Continue sharing your trails!
Sanika Shah
I will😊
Khilna
Wow!
Sanika Shah
❤️
Insha Jesani
This was such an accurate description and brought back so many memories! My first snow experience was two years ago, and it was absolutely magical. It took place on my birthday — my first birthday away from home — and I remember being in awe as I witnessed the snowflakes fall from the sky and settle on the ground. While there’s no shortage of snow here, the first snowfall of the year is always special, and makes the cold weather a little more bearable! We often forget to enjoy these small moments and get carried away by life, but it’s so important to pause and take in the beauty of the nature we’re surrounded by!
Sanika Shah
I love this! Such a special and unforgettable way to spend your birthday. It is quite ironic how snow makes the cold more bearable, but you’re absolutely right. I can’t wait to experience a Canadian winter one day❤️