By Theresa Knapp 

When thinking about her next visit to family in Massachusetts, ElizNoelis (“Eli”) Domenech Rivera of Puerto Rico specifically chose December in the hopes of seeing snow. 

And she did. 

“I saw snow toward the end of my vacation,” said Rivera. “It was at my aunt’s house in the morning. It was wonderful seeing snow first thing in the morning.”

Cousin Melissa Nieves said it was “magical” to witness Eli experiencing the December snow. 

“Her smile and energy of seeing snow for the first time was pure joy. This was the first time she has ever seen and experienced snow and a New England winter,” said Nieves. “She just kept saying, ‘Looks like it’s snowing’ and ‘It looks like a slushy’ - she said it appears like a tropical shaved ice drink.” 

Rivera said, “When I woke up and saw snow I said, ‘I want to make a snowman.’ There was not a lot of snow so my aunt and cousin shoveled the snow to accumulate a pile to make the snowman.”

She had the snow but did not know what to do next. 

“I had my aunt [Mildred] search on her phone for ‘How to build a snowman,’” said Eli. “I made a small snowman and we named her Tuti, which is my cousin’s childhood nickname. Then I decorated it with some Christmas ornaments from my aunt’s basement.” 

Editor’s note: Do you have photos to share of your snow creations? If so, add them to this post on Facebook @HopedaleTownNews.