I saw my sons and family more than two years ago. Our planned visit to SA consequently keeps my heart and mind busy. It is the fifth time we are trying to fly to SA, and I was hopeful. The disappointing news about Omicron and flight restrictions was like a nightmare. Every news article wanted to suffocate me, and I struggled to sleep and hold my tears. However, the snow came softly and wrapped me comfortingly in a white blanket.

Snow is enchanting

Snow, especially the first snow, is enchanting. The coloured landscape becomes monochrome when snowflakes fall lightly like feathers to the ground. The silence that comes with the pristine pure white landscape is sacred. Snowfall initially creates a feeling of calm and then excitement. Children laugh, and adults talk. Families build snowmen and boast about their creations.

Zander and his friends enjoy the snow with their sledges after school and on weekends. In the evenings, he is hungry, cold, and tired. It takes good planning to get his snow jacket, pants and gloves dry again before the next day. Charl and I enjoy walking in the snow. Fresh snow crunches under your shoes.

During November, preparations commence for the expected snow. The farmers plough the fields, and the municipality plants red wickets to indicate the roads in the white landscape. Lights and Christmas decorations make their appearance and give a fairytale-like feel.

Safety in snow

After a snowfall, road scrapers, with their orange warning lights, scrape the roads, sidewalks, and train stations starting early in the morning so that people can continue their daily activities. As soon as the snow starts melting, the night temperatures cause it to freeze to a slippery ice layer which is very dangerous to walk on. There is a high occurrence of knee, hip, and wrist incidents in these conditions. We now understand the need for warm waterproof shoes with thick soles.

Motor vehicles have a set of tires for summer and a separate set of tires for winter. Chains increase traction control when driving in snow or ice. Similar chains are available for shoes to walk on slippery surfaces. Even the trains sometimes slip on their tracks due to the snow or ice.

Snow means a lot more to me than just white flakes

During our first December in Switzerland, my children’s visit was my big Christmas present. The first snow began to fall the day after their arrival. Just before bedtime, the first snowflakes appeared from the sky. As South Africans, we are not used to snow. It was, therefore, our first snow experience and an enchanting, shared experience! We played outside like children and enjoyed the snow on our faces and tongues.

This year’s snow has more meaning to me than just white flakes. The white blanket helped me calm down. I experience inner peace and a knowing that everything will work out as it should. There are no guarantees, but I have hope that should carry me through the uncertainty.

I hope you also get your sign of hope that will bring you peace and joy for the festive season.

Regards

Emsia