Snow Much Fun

Freshly fallen powder and sparkling lights set the scene for a couple’s festive backyard gathering, where endless cups of hot cocoa are always on the menu.

- JODY GARLOCK,KARA BOWMAN-WILLIAMS,JOHN GRANEN

Around Everett, WA, dreams of a white Christmas are often just that—dreams. But when snow is in the forecast, Kara Bowman-Williams is on it like a giddy, bundled-up 5-year-old. For Kara and her husband, Tanner, a fresh blanket of white is the perfect reason to celebrate outside, sipping hot cocoa by a warm fire. “We both love the snow and want to really embrace it,” Kara says. “If there’s any possible chance of snow, we know we need to do something.”

The couple summon about a dozen friends for sledding at a nearby hill, followed by a backyard gathering. Hot cocoa and a dinner of soup and sourdough bread are on the menu. The yard itself becomes a winter wonderland aglow in lights. “It was magical and special, and everyone was excited,” Kara recalls of the inaugural get-together during a rare snowfall three years ago.