I always dream of a white Christmas. Waking up on Christmas morning to a fresh blanket of snow would really add to the magic. Sadly, it hasn’t happened in years. This year, however, just after Christmas some parts of the UK did get snow. As we live close to the coast, we are always the last to get any. This year the most snow we had was some sleet that settled on our shed and garden table. However, we are lucky to live half an hour away from the Preseli Hills/Mountains where the sheep and wild ponys always get more than there fair share of the white stuff.
A few days after Christmas, we decided to go for a drive and see how much snow was left. We packed our rarely used sledge but warned the kids not to be sad if there wasn’t enough snow this year. The Preselis are always a great day out, come snow or no snow.
Driving there, the signs didn’t look good. From a distance the mountains weren’t as white as in previous years and the roadsides approaching the mountains were completely clear.
We were so pleased then to see some snow left! In fact the mountains were the busiest that I have seen them ever. The first couple of car parks and lay-bys were too full to stop. Many cars were parked on the road side but I didn’t feel that would be as safe for my children but also for other mountain visitors so I carried on. I stopped at the next clear lay-by, slightly worried as to why no one else had parked here. However, it turned out to have been the best place for us to stop. We had our own private slope that was fun enough for all but also safe enough for Izzy too.
There was enough snow and an incline for the sledge to work well. I was surprised at how far each of the kids went on their own- it looked as though they would never stop.
We came armed with spare hats, gloves, scarves etc but all the kids were determined to strip off! I moaned at them to keep their coats on but had to take my hat, scarf and gloves off as I felt warm in the sun too.
I love stepping into clean snow.
Instead of a snowman we made a snow dog, Snowy, in memory of my old family dog (from Nanny’s house). Izzy is our only child born after he died so we all have fond memories of him in our house.
We had lots of tumbles (Dave and I included!) but no injuries or upsets and we all shared the sledge between six of us nicely.
It was a lovely day spent sledging. Danny, having a heart condition, did find it hard to warm up once he was back in the car but as always everyone ignored his moaning and helped keep him warm with cuddles, borrowed clothing and car heating! He was soon back to normal and happy again!
I expect we’ll have more snow in January or February! So hopefully we can dig the sledge out again soon?
Until then, here’s a little video for our memories.
Did you get lots of snow where you live?
xxx
