It’s been a loooong year.

A school district in West Virginia understands their students have been through the wringer in 2020, so they sent out a heartfelt letter, encouraging families to enjoy the first snow day of the year.

“It is a time of renewed wonder at all the beautiful things each season holds. A reminder of how fleeting a childhood can be. An opportunity to make some memories with your family that you hold on to for life,” wrote Bondy Shay Gibson, Ed.D., Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools.

“For all of these reasons and many more, Jefferson County Schools will be completely closed for tomorrow, Dec. 16, in honor of the 1st snow day of the year. Closed for students… closed for virtual… closed for staff. It has been a year of seemingly endless loss and the stress of trying to make up for that loss. For just a moment, we can all let go of the worry of making up for the many things we missed by making sure this is one thing our kids won’t lose this year.”

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Jefferson County Schools

Isn’t that just so true? While we’ve been busy trying to protect our children from the devastating effects of the pandemic, we’ve had to strip them of many of the joys of childhood: birthday parties, family gatherings, a school environment where the only thing they should be focusing on is academics, not a pandemic.

“So please,” continues Dr. Gibson, “enjoy a day of sledding and hot chocolate and cozy fires. Take pictures of your kids in snow hats they will outgrow by next year and read books that you have wanted to lose yourself in, but haven’t had the time. We will return to the serious and urgent business of growing up on Thursday, but for tomorrow… go build a snowman.”

The letter is resonating with families in West Virginia and around the world.

“Absolutely 100% the sweetest and most unexpected gift!” wrote one parent on the school’s announcement on Facebook.

“So beautifully expressed! Stay safe and enjoy the snow day,” commented another.

“Needed this and I live on an island in Japan. ,” wrote another parent.

And she’s right! It doesn’t matter where you live, Dr. Gibson’s words hit the nail on the head when it comes to parenting during a pandemic.

Our kids have lost enough this year. They shouldn’t have to lose the magic of snow days.

If you’re off today, enjoy it. Go build a snowman.