We are home awaiting the first snow of the season (2-5 inches they say). When we lived in Manhattan (way back when) I used to love snow days (and nights) because the snow would muffle the city sounds and the city would become quiet. But also because the snow would cover all the dark of the cityscape, all the dirt, with a pristine white blanket (at least for a short period of time).
Snow days are a bit different now, but the essence is still the same. Snow days are happy days for children (of all ages, mine aren't so little anymore), they sleep in, lounge around in pajamas, go out to play in the snow. For me it's still work but with the knowledge that I can't get out for a quick yoga lesson or some Christmas shopping, worrying that hubby will get home safe (he only stays in if it's really bad), some snow shoveling with the kids and then warming up with hot cocoa and playing Christmas music. Ah, and Christmas card writing, a perfect day for it.
Snow days quiet the world down, slow our pace, beautify the brown-gray winter landscape. Snow days are a reminder to stop rushing and smell the roses (or feel the snow) - a gift from heaven.