I'm dreaming of a white YouTube
YouTube features a snow button to put a little winter spirit in the videos you are watching
For those of us that can't make snow angels and start snow ball fights around the holiday, YouTube has given us a mighty power: controlling the snow -- virtual snow.
YouTube has added a snow button to many of the videos on the platform so that, if you feel a yearning for some holiday joy in the form of little frosty snowflakes while you watch your media, you can control the weather on your computer screen.
And since many people dread their vulnerability and powerlessness to mother nature when snow can delay and even cancel their holiday flights, viewers can take back a little of the power on the Google-owned video sharing site.
If you are watching a video and see the button (found next to the closed caption option, on the bottom right-hand side of the toolbar) then you can click it at any time and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Then you are even able to control the direction and add some swirls in the pattern by scrolling your mouse through the snow fall.
Little snow flakes will accumulate along the bottom of the video for as long as the video is running -- and pausing the video won't slow that winter weather. When the snowing option is on, the progress ball appears as a snowflake as well.
For the true experience you need to apply the feature to a classic like "White Christmas.'
YouTube has changed some elements of its interface for special events, memes or trending topics. Most notablyy, YouTube added a Vuvuzela button during the World Cup soccer tournament -- aren't we all glad that the Vuvuzela isn't a mainstream instrument at our sporting events.
So as I hunker down this weekend and catch up on some much needed media consumption, I will let YouTube transport me to my own winter wonderland without all the kerfuffle of traveling or even putting on pants. Happy Holidays everyone!
P.S. For those of you with a family member that can't stop educating you on the workings of the central air and heating -- enjoy the Modern Family's Thermostat Song.