Fun with the Fluff

That white fluffy stuff isn’t just synonymous with shovelling, winter tires, lost mittens and bulky snow gear. It’s for playing with and having fun outside.

And since the holidays offer the perfect opportunity to spend some time outside with the kids, we found just the thing to help bring the fun back into your snowy days. SNOW PLAY, a new book by Birgitta Ralston, has a multitude of great winter activities for you and the kids to enjoy. Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in this simple and inspired book.

Curious Footprints
Snowshoeing is pretty popular these days…but if you want to wow the kids and neighbours, try monster-shoeing. Using a sheet of thick cardboard (recycle some of those boxes that Santa’s gifts come in), trace two large ‘monster’ footprints and cut them out. Have your child put his foot on each one, then pierce two holes using a screwdriver to measure the width of his foot. Using a long piece of twine, thread through one hole then up through the second. Outside in the snow, tie the twine around his boot like a shoelace. Do the same for the second foot. Make sure he takes big steps to keep the prints nice and clear. The neighbourhood kids will think the Abominable Snowman has come to town!

The Eyes
Upgrade your snowmen this winter to snow ‘ghosts’ instead. Create large mounds of snow (around three feet high) in the shape of ghosts using sticky snow. Use a bucket to help get that pile nice and high. Once your ghost shape is formed, hollow out two spots for the eyes. Put two LED tea light candles in the eyes. When the sun sets, you’ll have your own winter spooky friends to light up the lawn.

Nature in Ice
Create your own frozen centerpieces with two buckets and a little nature. Take a nice wintery walk to collect small pinecones, pretty branches or winter berries. Put a small amount of water (three inches deep) into a large bucket on a flat surface. Once it’s frozen, place a smaller bucket inside in the center and weigh it down with rocks. Place your natural materials in the circular space between the two buckets. Fill the gap with water, all the way up to just under the top of the smaller bucket and leave it out to freeze. To remove the smaller bucket, take out the rocks and fill it with hot water. Once it’s loose, pull it free. Next, pour the hot water on the outside of the larger bucket. Your ice sculpture will slide out, ready to hold candles, goodies or whatever you choose to display!

So put down that shovel. Stop fretting over lost mittens and start enjoying the white stuff outside. Snow buts about it!

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