If you live anywhere in the northern half of the United States, or in many parts of Europe and the United Kingdom, you may be quite tired of hearing the word "snow" by now. It's only the end of December and the winter precipitation level has already been overwhelming in these areas. Trying to look on the bright side, keep in mind that spring officially begins in only a little over two-and-a-half months. And I've already started to receive seed catalogs from the garden supply companies, so warm weather can't be too far away. Too optimistic, you say? We have still got to endure January and February's cold blasts of arctic air and blizzards of the frozen, wet stuff falling from above. Well put down your shovel and have a cup of hot cocoa while we take a look at the fun side of snow (yes, there really IS a fun side!).
from The Slip Stitch
That first white coating of snow is lovely, especially when the frosty landscape twinkles magically in the sun at the end of a storm. Snowflakes are made of single or multiple ice crystals: water molecules frozen in a hexagonal lattice configuration. "The six-fold symmetry of snow crystals ultimately derives from the six-fold symmetry of the ice crystal lattice." (http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/primer/primer.htm) The patterns seen in snow crystals form as water vapor in the clouds condenses into ice. These patterns start out as small, hexagonal prisms, but they branch out into more complicated shapes as they grow. The basic categories of snow crystal shapes are columns, needles, plates, dendrites, columns with plates, and irregular. For a glimpse into the beauty and varied shapes of snow crystals, visit A Guide to Snowflakes at http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/class/class.htm.
from Chris1
The phrase "white as snow" is somewhat of a misstatement, for snow crystals are actually clear like plain glass. It is only when they are piled together that the multitude of reflective surfaces of many crystals reflects some light back towards our eyes. This reflected light represents the whole spectrum of colors, so when they all combine, the effect is white. In some cases, when the snow is very thick, some of the light bouncing off the crystals is absorbed on its way out to the surface. Since more red light is absorbed than blue, some of this blue spectrum light reaches our vision giving the snow a bluish cast, as in glaciers or on mountain tops. (http://nsidc.org/snow/faq.html)
by JN Originals
Most snow crystals are only about half an inch wide, though, if weather conditions are right, they can reach up to two inches in size. The "fluffiness" of snow is determined by the air temperature, with 15 degrees Fahrenheit being optimal for fluffy flakes; temperatures closer to 0 degrees affect crystal structure making crystals smaller and more able to be closely compacted, thus increasing the density of the snow when it is very cold. New, undisturbed snow is a very good insulator because it is composed of 90-95% trapped air amidst the lattice structure of the packed crystals.
by Joni Stinson
Snow is not only a crucial source of water for our local supplies, but it also acts like insulation for plants during the cold winter months. "Skiers and adventures lost in the winter can survive by making a snow cave, providing shelter from the colder air and wind. The temperature within the snow cave can provide refuge from winter’s chill." (http://www.suite101.com/content/winter-snow-facts-a34611) Beyond the environmental impacts, snow provides us with many opportunities for fun and sport, like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, and the ever-popular snowman building! I am sure many of us can remember childhood snowball fights, building snow forts, and creating the ultimate snowman (only to watch him melt, sadly, as the temperature went up). According to Guinness World Records, the largest snowball ever made "measured 6.48 m (21 ft 3 in) in circumference and was rolled by students of Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan, USA on 10 February 2006." (http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/Search/Details/Largest-snowball/103465.htm) "The largest snowball fight was achieved by 5,387 participants, organised by Jong-Gi Park (Republic of Korea), the Mayor of Taebaek City, at the 17th Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival Main Event Hall, Mt. Taebaek, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea, on 22 January 2010." (http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/Search/Details/Largest-snowball-fight/118714.htm)
Still not a fan of snow?
I hope this little poem by Robert Frost will help change your mood.
Dust of Snow
by Robert Frost
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued. Enjoy the beauty of the snow crystals! 
Little Winter Tree Original Watercolor ACEO by Colours and Textures 
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