Top 5 Snow Day Superstitions to Summon a Winter Day Off

Snow Day Superstitions

Snow day superstitions are whimsical rituals believed to coax Mother Nature into delivering a blizzard hefty enough to shut down schools. These traditions, often passed down through siblings, friends, or online forums, are especially popular among students who dream of sledding instead of studying. Whether it’s a solo act like placing a spoon under your pillow or a group effort like a snow dance, these practices tap into the joy of winter and the thrill of an unexpected day off. While science might scoff, the power of belief and a well-timed weather front can make these rituals feel downright magical. Here are the key points we’ll cover:

What makes snow day superstitions so special: Their blend of hope, fun, and community spirit.
The top 5 rituals: Pajamas inside out, ice cubes in the toilet, spoon under the pillow, snow dance, and white crayon in the freezer.
Why they might work: A mix of psychology, timing, and a sprinkle of winter magic.
How to try them: Tips to maximize your snow-summoning success.

Let’s jump into the first superstition and start conjuring some snow!

Superstition 1: Pajamas Inside Out

One of the most popular snow day rituals for kids and families is wearing pajamas inside out—and sometimes backwards—in hopes of bringing on a snowstorm and getting a snow day. This superstition is a staple in many households, especially among kids eagerly checking the forecast. Here’s why it’s a fan favorite:

How it works: Before bed, turn your pajamas inside out so the inner lining faces outward. For extra potency, some flip them backwards, too, wearing the front on their back. Sleep in this topsy-turvy outfit to signal a desire for a weather reversal—clear skies to snowy chaos.
The origin: This ritual likely stems from folklore about disrupting normal patterns to invite change. Reversing clothing has been used in various cultures to ward off bad luck or summon good fortune, and here it’s adapted to beckon snow.
Why it might work: The act of wearing pajamas inside out is a bold declaration of intent, boosting your confidence that snow is coming. Plus, when entire classrooms or neighborhoods join in, the collective energy can feel like it’s tipping the scales toward a school cancellation. Timing also helps—most kids perform this ritual when a storm is already forecast, increasing the odds of success.
Pro tip: Pair this with a quick prayer to the snow gods or a chant like, “Snow, snow, come our way!” to amplify the magic. Bonus points if you wear mismatched socks for extra chaos.

This playful tradition is a fun way to start your snow day ritual, setting the tone for more magical snow day activities to come.

Superstition 2: Ice Cubes in the Toilet

If you’ve ever flushed ice cubes down the toilet hoping for a snow day, you’re part of a chilly tradition that’s as quirky as it is iconic. This ritual is all about mimicking snowfall to trick the weather into cooperating. Here’s the scoop:

How it works: Grab a handful of ice cubes from the freezer (usually one per person in the household) and toss them into the toilet. Flush them down with a flourish, imagining the cold spiraling into the atmosphere to spark a snowstorm. Some variations involve placing the ice in the toilet and letting it sit overnight.
The origin: This is a classic example of sympathetic magic, a belief that like attracts like. By sending cold ice into water, you’re symbolically encouraging snow—frozen water—to fall from the sky. It’s a modern twist on ancient rituals that used natural elements to influence weather.
Why it might work: The ritual’s focus on cold aligns with the conditions needed for snow, and performing it during a winter weather advisory can make it feel effective. The act also builds anticipation, keeping you glued to the weather app, which can make a snow day announcement feel like a direct result of your efforts.
Pro tip: Use a specific number of ice cubes (like seven for luck) and say, “Freeze the school, bring the snow!” as you flush. For extra flair, toss in a pinch of sugar to sweeten the deal with the weather spirits.

Flushing ice cubes is a quick, silly ritual that adds a splash of fun to your snow day hopes.

Superstition 3: Spoon Under the Pillow

One dreamy snow day superstition involves sleeping with a spoon under your pillow—a fun and simple way to try ‘scooping’ snow from the sky. This ritual is perfect for those who want a low-effort way to join the snow day craze. Here’s how it shakes out:

How it works: Before heading to bed, tuck a metal spoon—ideally silver or stainless steel—under your pillow to invite a snowy surprise. As you sleep, the spoon is said to act like a magnet, pulling snow clouds closer and ensuring a school-closing storm.
The origin: The spoon likely symbolizes gathering or scooping snow, with its cold metal mimicking winter’s chill. This ritual may draw from older traditions where metal objects were used in weather charms, believed to influence natural elements.
Why it might work: The spoon’s cold touch reinforces your focus on snowy weather, and the ritual’s simplicity makes it easy to combine with other superstitions. Psychologically, it’s a comforting act that helps you drift off dreaming of snowdrifts, especially when a storm is in the forecast.
Pro tip: Choose a teaspoon for precision or a serving spoon for a mega-storm. Whisper, “Scoop the snow, let it grow!” as you tuck it under your pillow. For extra luck, place the spoon in the freezer for a few minutes first to supercharge its chill.

This cozy ritual is a perfect blend of whimsy and winter vibes, making it a must-try.

Superstition 4: Snow Dance

When you need to rally the troops for a snow day, nothing beats a snow dance—a lively, silly performance to summon a blizzard. This group-friendly ritual is all about energy and enthusiasm. Here’s the breakdown:

How it works: Gather friends, family, or classmates and perform an improvised dance to call down the snow. It can be as simple as spinning in circles, waving your arms like snowflakes, or chanting “Snow, snow, snow!” Some do it indoors, while others brave the cold outside under the night sky.
The origin: Snow dances echo ancient weather rituals, like those performed by Indigenous tribes to invoke rain or snow. Modern snow dances are a fun and energetic tradition, filled with excitement and the wish for a surprise day off from school.
Why it might work: The collective energy of a group dance creates a sense of unity and optimism, which can feel powerful when snow is already in the air. Plus, dancing during a cold snap often coincides with incoming storms, making it seem like your moves worked the magic.
Pro tip: Wear white clothing to symbolize snow and include moves like “flurries” (wiggling fingers) or “drifts” (sliding side to side). Chant, “Dance for snow, let it flow!” to keep the rhythm. For maximum effect, dance near a window facing the sky.

A snow dance is a joyful w ay to get everyone in on the snow day spirit, turning hope into action.

Superstition 5: White Crayon in the Freezer

For a modern superstition that’s as cute as it is clever, placing a white crayon in the freezer is a surefire way to “freeze” the school day. This ritual is a favorite among younger kids and creative types. Here’s how it goes:

How it works: Find a white crayon (the color of snow) and pop it into the freezer before bed. The idea is that the crayon’s cold, snowy essence will lock in a storm, halting school in its tracks. Some kids write “Snow Day” on paper with the crayon first for extra power.
The origin: This ritual blends color magic (white for snow) with the cold symbolism of the freezer. It’s a newer superstition, likely born in classrooms where crayons are plentiful and kids are eager to innovate on older traditions.
Why it might work: The act of placing something white and cold in the freezer reinforces your snow day intentions, and the ritual’s novelty makes it memorable. Like other superstitions, it’s often done when snow is likely, so a school closure can feel like a win for your crayon.
Pro tip: Use a fresh white crayon and say, “Freeze the day, snow’s on the way!” as you place it in the freezer. For extra snowy energy, try wrapping the crayon in a white cloth or pairing it with a frozen white marshmallow—perfect for boosting your snow day wishes.

This chilly ritual is a fun, creative way to cap off your snow day efforts.
Try our snow day calculator for accurate prediction.

Conclusion

Snow day superstitions aren’t just fun traditions—they’re a magical way to embrace winter, create memories with friends and family, and enjoy a playful break from everyday routines. From flipping your pajamas inside out to dancing under the stars, these five traditions—pajamas inside out, ice cubes in the toilet, spoon under the pillow, snow dance, and white crayon in the freezer—bring joy and anticipation to snowy nights.

While science might say it’s all coincidence, the real magic lies in the fun, the belief, and the shared excitement of waking up to a snow-covered world. So, the next time a winter storm is in the forecast, try these rituals, rally your crew, and see if you can conjure a snow day. Who knows? With a little luck and a lot of enthusiasm, you might just wake up to a winter wonderland and a day off!