From ancient times, children and adults have been shaping snow into familiar forms, a practice that not only transcends cultures and generations but also connects us to our ancestors. 

The first recorded mention of snowmen dates back to the Middle Ages. Outdoor galleries were set up to display the different artistic takes on snow creation. People would walk about town discussing the merit of each frozen display. Some were even created by famous artists, including a 19-year-old Michelangelo, who in 1494 was commissioned by the ruler of Florence, Italy, to sculpt a snowman.

With the success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jack Rollins, Steve Nelson, and Gene Autry made another Christmas classic. Frosty the Snowman peaked at number 7 on the charts in 1950. In 1969, Rankin-Bass produced the twenty-five-minute animated classic we know and love today. Snowmen have also been featured in popular culture, such as in the movie 'Frozen ', where the character Olaf is a lovable snowman, and in the song 'Do You Want to Build a Snowman?' from the same movie.

The world's largest Snowman was once a snow-woman built in Bethel, Maine 2008. Named "Olympia" after Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, this 13-million-pound snow figure stood 122 feet tall and was visible from 4 miles away. 

However, in February 2020, Donnersbachwald, Austria, residents built a colossal snowman named Riesi reaching 124.8 feet. Riesi surpassed Maine's snow-woman as the tallest Snowman on record.

This winter, should inspiration strike, remember that you are participating in a centuries-old worldwide tradition as you stack snow and create your own symbol of winter. And if snow isn't available, relax and enjoy this colorful puzzle and dream of snow people.