Christmas Snow

When it's December in Minnesota, we expect the weather forcast to include some snow. We actually got the first snowfall in October, but it didn't last long. Warmer November temps helped us feel comfortable, and hopeful as we decorated the house with lights for the coming end of year holidays.
Now, it's Christmas week, and we've shoveled the drive about 3-4 times with significant (over an inch) snowfall.
There's a new couple of storms brewing for the week, and the news is forcasting travel and shopping hassels with hazardous driving and traveling condiitons. I'm still not done with my shopping - as part of it is that we just don't have a lot of money to spend, and the other is that I've been looking for just the right gift for each of my nephews and neice.
You see, I'm trying to be an Advent Consipiritor - see www.adventconspiracy.com for ideas. Not that you can't buy gifts for people, but that you make them meaningful...not just out of obligation. My idea for a great gift for my daughter is a bucket of paint and a brush and time to paint her room the color she's always wanted. That gift may happen for her birthday in March instead, as we found a couple of CD boomboxes for the kids rooms on SALE! Having time with my kids at bedtime with soft relaxing music is what I'm hoping will happen...but I know the loud Black Eyed Peas will be shaking the house, too. And, that'll be plenty of fun. Now to put the finishing touches on the gift wrapping.
I'm looking forward to spending time with family - heading to mom's house for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the in-laws. That is...as long as the 8-14 inches of snow that is predicted lets up enough so we can still drive in it. I hope the city plows are just as prepared as the rest of us.
The kids will love getting out and playing in the white stuff as it falls from the sky...even watching their breath steam up scarves and making icicles on their noses. The joy of the snow is quite interesting. How is it that as adults we have much less wonder about the icy wet snow as these innocent hearts? My son is sure to reach out without gloves or mittens and touch the cold wet crisp as it melts in his bare hands. The pain of the cold will cause a grimace, but there's an internal joy that can't be contained. It's contagious, and reminds me to seek wonder in the world around me.
I'm so grateful for the snow - the wonder of the season - the magic in the air - the quiet hush that comes over the house in the early morning when there are no cars on the road.
Travel safely, my friends. Get out and do a little exercise in the fun of the winter. Shovel a little snow if you have it. Or just breathe in the winter air...and just think, once the New Year hits...we're just that much closer to springtime and buds bursting forth from the ground. :)