Building the Perfect Snowman

Photo by Angela Sherman.

While some people might say you need a corncob pipe, button nose and two eyes made out of coal, the perfect snowman is truly whatever your imagination builds – or what supplies you happen to have around the house.

So, the first thing you need is your imagination. Decide what your snowman will look like and gather supplies. Will he have a top hat or orange hunting hat, a scarf or jacket, sticks for arms, and what about his facial features?

Once you have gathered the supplies for your snowman, bundle up and head outside. Start by compacting a grapefruit-sized ball with snow, but don’t throw it at your building partner(s). The best time to build a snowman is when the snow is somewhat wet and heavy – you can tell the snow is just right because it will compact easily. Light, fluffy snow or hard, crunchy snow won’t stick together well as you roll it around the yard.

Putting your snowman on display in the front yard is great because everyone who drives by will be able to admire your creation. You should always pack the base of each layer with additional snow to keep your snowman from rolling away or toppling too quickly.

For even more fun, make a snowfamily by dressing a snowwoman, snowchild or snowpet – your imagination (and perhaps the amount of snow) are your only limitations when it comes to building beyond Frosty.