Posted on December 3, 2025 by The CT Healthy Family in Parenting in Faith, Everyday Growth
There’s something magical about turning a winter chore into a family memory — even when the snow is flying and the wind is biting.
It was one of those classic Connecticut December mornings: fresh snow blanketing everything in quiet white, temperatures hovering right around freezing, and a driveway that needed clearing before the roads turned into an ice rink. Instead of Dad heading out solo with the shovel and snowblower, I suggested we make it a family thing. “Boys,” he said, “grab your coats — we’re tackling this together.” And just like that, what could have been a solo slog became one of those simple, sacred moments we’ll talk about for years.
The boys (full of that endless kid energy) bundled up in mismatched mittens and hats that kept slipping over their eyes. We started on the front porch, where the littlest one mostly “helped” by packing snowballs and giggling every time a clump hit Dad’s boots. Then we moved to the sidewalks, trading turns with the shovel. By the time we hit the driveway, our fingers were numb, noses running, and cheeks rosy red — but the laughter? Non-stop. We raced to see who could clear their section first, shared stories about last winter’s epic snowball fight, and paused for a quick huddle prayer when the littlest slipped and face-planted into a drift (he popped up grinning, of course).
It wasn’t fancy. No hot cocoa breaks or Instagram-perfect poses. Just cold air, wet gloves, and the kind of teamwork that sneaks up on you. But in those 45 minutes outside, something shifted — the boys saw Dad not just as the guy who fixes things, but as their partner in the mess. And me? Watching from the window with a warm mug, my heart swelled seeing them build not just a clear path, but real connection.
What God whispered to us amid the flurries
- Simple acts of service side-by-side create bonds that last longer than the task itself — they’re quiet ways to model Christ’s servant heart.
- Cold, hard work teaches perseverance and joy in the ordinary, just like the faithful routines Jesus calls us to in our homes.
- Family time doesn’t have to be planned or perfect; it’s often found in the chores we share, turning “have to” into “get to.”
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.”
— Colossians 3:23-24
As we stomped the snow off our boots and piled inside for grilled cheese and tomato soup, I couldn’t help but thank God for these little windows — the ones where we trade isolation for invitation, and chores become chances to love well. Winter’s just getting started here in Connecticut, and I’m already looking forward to the next snowfall. Who knows what bonds we’ll build then?
Still learning, still growing, still finding joy in the snow —
The CT Healthy Family
What’s one simple chore that’s turned into family bonding time for you? Share in the comments — we love hearing your stories! ❄️
