10 Things Brits Used to Do on a Snow Day That Have Almost Completely Disappeared

Save to Find It Later!

Remember the thrill of waking up to a white-blanketed world outside your window? For many Brits, snow days used to be filled with simple, fun activities that brought communities together, but some of these traditions have nearly disappeared over time. Let’s stroll down memory lane and revisit 10 things Brits used to do on a snow day, exploring why these activities were so special and why they matter even today.

1. Listen to local radio for the list of closed schools

Back in the day, one of the first signs of a snow day was the local radio announcement listing which schools were closed. Kids and parents alike would huddle around the radio, eagerly awaiting the news. This ritual was not just about finding out if school was off; it was a shared moment of anticipation and excitement. With the advent of the internet and smartphones, this practice has largely faded, replaced by online updates and school SMS alerts.

2. Turn a tea tray or bin bag into a sledge

Who needed a fancy sledge when a tea tray or a sturdy bin bag could do the job? This was the epitome of resourcefulness and fun. Sliding down snowy hills on improvised sledges brought laughter and joy, and it was a great way for kids to get creative. Nowadays, with safety concerns and the availability of affordable sledges, this inventive tradition has seen a decline.

3. Build a snowman with coal for eyes

Building a snowman is a classic snow day activity, but using coal for eyes gave these frosty creations a distinctive, old-school touch. It was a way to use what was readily available, and those coal eyes seemed to bring snowmen to life with a bit more personality. As coal fires have become less common, so has the use of coal in snowman-building.

4. Wear bread bags inside their wellies

Waterproofing wasn’t always as advanced as it is today. A common hack to keep feet dry was to wear bread bags inside wellington boots. This simple yet effective solution helped many children enjoy hours of play in the snow without getting cold, wet feet. Nowadays, wellies are much more waterproof, and fewer people see the need for bread bags.

5. Have a snowball fight with the whole street

Snowball fights used to be grand neighborhood affairs. It wasn’t just a few kids; entire streets would join in. This community-wide activity helped neighbors connect and enjoy the snowy weather together. With changing social dynamics and indoor distractions like video games, such large-scale snowball fights have become less common.

6. Dry soaking gloves on the radiator

After hours of playing in the snow, kids would come home with soaking wet gloves. The quick fix? Drying them on the radiator. This simple practice was as much a part of the snow day experience as the outdoor activities themselves. Today, with better waterproof clothing and central heating systems, this scene is less typical in British homes.

7. Make an ice slide on the pavement

Making an ice slide on the pavement was another inventive and thrilling way to enjoy the winter weather. Kids would pack down snow into a slippery surface and challenge each other to slide the farthest. While incredibly fun, it posed safety risks, and such activities have dwindled, partly due to concerns about accidents.

8. Warm up with a mug of Bovril or cocoa

Coming in from the cold to a warm mug of Bovril or cocoa was the perfect way to end a snow day. This tradition of warming up with a hot drink has persisted, though Bovril has become less common, with hot chocolate and tea taking the lead in many households.

9. Walk to the corner shop because the car wouldn’t start

When cars wouldn’t start due to the cold, walking to the corner shop became an adventure in itself. It was a chance to enjoy the quiet, snowy streets and pick up essentials or treats. With today’s better insulated and more reliable cars, this is less often a necessity, though some still enjoy the walk.

10. Check Teletext for weather updates

Before the internet, Teletext was the go-to for instant weather updates. People would frequently check for changes in the weather forecast throughout the day. As technology progressed, this service was phased out, replaced by mobile apps and websites that provide real-time weather updates.