Many students at Germantown Academy look forward to and hope for snow days every year. The moment that the email comes through, students are relieved to finally have a break. Although snow days have become less predictable these past few years, students still have plans for how they would spend the day.
“I am looking forward to sleeping in with no stress,” Bri Katz ‘26 said. “Having an unexpected day that I get to get extra sleep is my favorite part of a snow day.”
School can get very stressful, especially during the second semester, and students sometimes need a break. The chance to sleep in gives relief to many students.
“I always build a snowman with my little siblings when there is enough snow,” Raphi Salomon ‘27 said. “It’s special to me because it brings my family together and has become a tradition.”
Snow days often also call for people to stay at home with their family. For those like Salomon, snow days are family bonding opportunities. Snow day traditions can be an important part of a family.
“Another tradition that I enjoy is having hot chocolate and sitting around a fire with my family,” Salomon said. “It’s another way for us to grow closer and enjoy our day.”
Family time is very important, and being with trusted people can help someone feel relaxed, which is what everyone wants on their snow day. Snow days are a way for people to do things that they don’t always have time for, like sitting and watching a movie.
Other students participate in typical winter activities to really embrace the weather. Those traditions can have a lot of nostalgia for the participants.
“If I am able to drive, I love to go skiing with my friends,” Kat Kou ‘26 said. “It’s become my favorite part of my winter, and snow days are the perfect time to go skiing.”
“I always have a snowball fight with my dad,” Jade West ‘26 said. “It’s become a tradition and so much fun. It’s special to me because it is a time for me to forget everything I have going on and have fun with my dad.”
Snow day traditions relieve stress for students. They are a break in students’ busy schedules, and the unexpected free time does not go to waste, whether that’s sleeping or getting out and skiing.