Childhood Winter Memories

There was no nylon or weatherproof material, no furlined boots, no plastic sleds, no indoor entertainment like TV. We had to make our own fun.

When going to school girls had to wear skirts, but we could put leggings over them to walk to school. On our legs we wore brown or navy long stockings that were held up by an elastic garter belt. The leggings were big, bulky, woolen, itchy pants that collected iceballs. Boots went over the shoes and would create a red sore mark around the top from being wet. Mittens were usually knit by Mom and got wet, of course. Boys were nasty then too and would throw iceballs at us on the way home.

After school we played outside on wooden sleds or toboganns. I had a med. size dog and she liked to pull us on the sled. Making snow angels was great fun, and when that certain type of snow came along every house with kids had a giant snowman out front.

When we would see a little frozen patch of ice we got our skates and walked over, then put them on. By this time our feet were frozen, but those little puddles were nice and smooth for skating.

It is too bad that many children today can't or don't play outside, but I am glad they had so much better warm clohing and can enjoy it when they are outdoors.