The first snowfall that whitens your world is one to be enjoyed and cherished. Maybe the kids are off from school or work is cancelled. Or maybe you have to put off your snowy fun till after work or school. Whenever you have the chance to enjoy a snowy day, here are some fun activities that are great for children or for the child that resides in all of us.

A flurry of paper snowflakes

All you need is some white paper and a pair of scissors to create intricate snowflakes to hang in your kitchen, around your fireplace mantel, or anywhere you want to celebrate the millions of unique flakes that are falling from the sky. For step-by-step directions on how to create these hand-cut flakes, you can go here. You can create a snowflake just by folding paper and cutting out bits and pieces, and the end result is always beautiful.

Snowballs to eat--not to throw!

You probably already have a recipe from your mother or grandmother for cookies that are called Russian Tea Cakes or Snowballs. If not, here’s a recipe from Betty Crocker that is simple to make and comes out great every time. Pile on the confectioner’s sugar to create fluffy, white cookie balls and shovel them down while you celebrate the beauty of fresh, new snow.

Simple, icy-sweet snow cones

Since nature has done all the work by leaving mounds of fluffy snowflakes outside, take advantage of the snowfall and enjoy a homemade, tasty snow cone. Scoop up immaculate snow into a paper cup and top with flavored syrup that you can make or buy. Adults may even enjoy a splash of liqueur over their snow cones to chase away the chill.

Snow shoes you can make in a minute

Unleash your inner Boy Scout or Girl Scout and make yourself a pair of quick-and-easy snowshoes. All you need is some twine and a few evergreen branches and you can walk on top of the snow instead of trudging through it. These are odd looking snowshoes for sure, but they work like a charm and are quick as a bunny to construct.

Snow angels are heaven sent

If you haven’t made a snow angel in the past five years, it’s time to make one so you don’t lose your snow angel mojo. All you need is powdery snow and your own body. Carefully flop down into the snow on your back, and stretch out as straight as possible. Move your arms up and down and your legs back and forth. Your arms will create wings while your legs fashion an angel robe. Be careful getting up so you don’t ruin your heavenly, but temporary, work of art. If you’re feeling particularly angelic, take a long stick and etch a halo into the snow above your angel’s head.

Hot cocoa with snow-capped mountains

Make cocoa as usual, but pile up mini-marshmallows until they tower over the mug. They’ll melt quickly, but your cocoa will look wonderful even when the marshmallows melt. For adults, you can add in a splash of peppermint schnapps for cocoa with a grown-up taste.