Snowstorm 2011: Blame It on the Kids

When I was in fourth grade, one day there were predictions of snow for the next day. Our tiny little fourth-grade selves wanted it to snow like nothing else; I’m pretty sure it was what all of us were daydreaming about when we weren’t paying attention in class. That day, before we left school, our teacher left us with this piece of wisdom: “If you want it to snow, everyone, turn your pajamas inside out and backwards.”

When bedtime came around that night, I remembered my teacher’s words and hurriedly told all of my family to change their PJs to their inside-out and backward positions, leaving all of us with tags sticking up in our faces. While we looked ridiculous, it did snow that night. I have been a believer in the power of bedtime rituals to make it snow ever since.

Now of course, if you try this trick in the middle of July, it is most likely not going to snow. The way I see it, the strange rituals for making it snow only work when the conditions are right. The only thing they can do is turn a cold, cloudy night into a winter wonderland. It is not strong magic, but when conditions are favorable, just a little magic goes a long way. Here are some tips I have heard over the years to ensure a snowy day.

The first one, of course, is to turn your PJs inside out and backward. It is important to do both. I think the point may be to look as ridiculous as possible, but I’m pretty sure it has only not worked once or twice (usually, I blame school the next morning on other people not wearing their bedclothes in the right fashion). Some believe they only have to be inside out, or only backward, but really, even if it does not snow, it is much more fun to go all out.

When the PJs trick actually worked, my brother and I started coming up with our own versions of ways to make it snow. We have been known to practice snow dances (other people do this too, I am not alone!). It usually involves self-choreographed moves, lots of spinning and usually a song. (I believe the last one went “Snow, snow, we want snow.”) We believe the dance combined with the inside-out clothing helps.

Speaking of singing, screaming the lyrics to Let It Snow! might help whoever rules the skies drop a few flakes. You can also try your own made-up snow chant, though if you’re going to do that, you might as well dance too. Be creative; I think they add another inch if your song is really interesting to listen to.

Because I believe in the power of the pajamas, I also believe it does not work unless a lot of important people are doing it; therefore, I tell all of my friends to wear their PJs the same way I know I will be wearing them when snow is predicted. When I tell them this, friends have told me their way of making it snow is to flush an ice cube down the toilet.

One time, my brother and I put an ice cube in all of the drains, just to make sure it would snow, and I was into saving water at the time, so flushing just to flush an ice cube seemed like a waste, and I just let it melt in the toilet. Turns out, this method is not at all effective, but my friends swear simply flushing an ice cube works.

Recently, I heard yet another way to make it snow. My friend reminded me that putting a spoon under your pillow is a good way to be sure there will be snow on the ground the next morning. She says it is her go-to method for making it snow.

While there is clearly no need to try out these methods today, next time you just really want it to snow and the forecasts say there’s a chance for flurries, see if you can feel powerful by making it snow.

Let it be noted that these are methods for making it snow. It does not guarantee school will be canceled, as evidence by the abundant snow flurries but disappointing lack of school cancellations Dec. 13.