Everyone knows snowflakes are unique and tiny, which is probably why people started using them as a metaphor for children, which is now an annoying cliche. But do you know how snowflakes got to be so special in the first place?

Bytesize Science does. First explaining that no two snowflake journeys are alike, their new video takes us from the orignal moment when water vapor forms around a dust grain on a hypothetical free fall through layer after layer of temperature and humidity changes until it lands on the ground, an intricate hexagon covered in tiny branches. By the end you’re like, “Wow, that snow flake has been through a lot.” And suddenly “precious snowflake” seems like a better metaphor for your grandparents than your kids. (But probably don’t say it to them. It’s still annoying.)

Watch below.