Now, with winter coming to a close and spring on the horizon, we can reflect on the season that has passed. Sure, we had some cold days, but only two that warranted staying home. Unfortunately, they weren’t true snow days or cold days—they were “e-learning days.” Students and teachers alike have shared their perspectives on both, highlighting the best and worst aspects of snow days and e-learning days. But is one truly better than the other? Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference.

If you don’t mind extending the school year into summer, you’re probably missing the old-fashioned snow days. Staying home, playing in the snow, and building a snowman with questionable-colored snow were all part of the experience. No school, no work—just pure winter fun. But those missed school days had a consequence. With Illinois’ unpredictable weather, every snow day pushed summer break further back, turning June 1st into June 2nd, June 3rd, and so on. Cozying up by the fire might be nice, but is it worth sacrificing summer freedom?

On the other hand, is e-learning any better? You still get to stay home, sit by the warm fire, and finish your work at your own pace. An estimated 82% of students prefer e-learning days, while teachers don’t. Many teachers struggle with the two- to three-day turnaround for assignments. Ideally, students should complete their work on the assigned day, but for those without reliable WiFi or resources at home, the flexibility can be a relief. For procrastinators, having extra time to complete assignments is a welcome bonus. Most students report finishing their work in about two hours, while teachers sit on a call, allowing students to check in as needed.

Some argue that e-learning is great because it prevents summer break from shrinking. Others believe snow days have lost their magic, replaced by yet another day of school—just in a different format. In the end, whether you prefer the nostalgia of a true snow day or the practicality of e-learning, one thing is certain: winter will always bring its share of surprises.