This weekend, the first snow of the season blanketed Charlotte County and surrounding counties, creating a winter wonderland.

Some communities in the county received nearly 8 inches of snow, allowing for a rather chilly welcome to the first couple of weeks of winter this year.

While some may see inclement weather as an inconvenience or a disruption from their normal routines, these are often the times that allow humanity to take a break to appreciate nature and the simple things in life.

Author Gary Zukav said, “each solstice is a domain of experience unto itself. At the Summer Solstice, all is green and growing, potential coming into being, the miracle of manifestation painted large on the canvas of awareness. At the Winter Solstice, the wind is cold, trees are bare and all lies in stillness beneath blankets of snow.”

An eerie silence hung over the county, as most government offices and businesses took time off in light of the snowfall.

I often reminisce about what snow days meant when I was a child. Snow days were essentially a community event. Most of the children in the neighborhood would gather to go sledding or play in the snow together.

I remember staying up late to monitor the news stations in anticipation of finding out that school was indeed closed.

These are all memories that will not be forgotten. British Sculptor Andy Goldsworthy once said, “snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.” I find this to be true.

As an adult, snow days are most relaxing when spent curled up watching a good movie, relaxing with family and friends or catching up on much-needed sleep.

Regardless of how you choose to take advantage of these rare occasions in Southside Virginia, be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.