There's something magical about that first snowfall of the season, isn't there? Coating the ground in a shimmer of white, and concealing those last vestiges of fall: the stubborn leaves that refused to be corralled. It's a relief, really, to be on to something new--a new world outside, a blank slate, if you will. At our house, it means the pristine, snowy groundcover is prime real estate, ready to be marked up by eager puppies excited to play in the white stuff (note the paw prints scattered along the ground in the photo, above).
Ours first big snowfall conveniently arrived just before the first official day of winter. With temperatures diving, sending northeasterners running for cover, there's something timeless and wonderful about glancing out an ice-trimmed window just as our joyous holidays approach, and feeling the warmth lit from within. There's a reason so many Christmas songs tout the virtues of snow. It's tied up in our minds with peace, warmth, silent nights, decked halls and friendly gatherings. Many of us find ourselves wishing for snow and all it stands for: cookie-making, traditional Christmas songs, a flurry of shopping and decorating, and the universal wish to celebrate with family and friends. Gone is last winter's focus on slick roads and hazardous driving conditions, dingy gray mid-February snowbanks along the roads, bitter winds and the endless ache of cold fingers and toes. There's no room in our brains for negative thoughts among our Currier-and-Ives images and holiday dreams of "the most wonderful time of the year". If only we could be so optimistic during the other eleven months!
Whatever traditions and religious rituals you celebrate, may the cheer of this holiday season surround you like the new-fallen snow. May it cover over the old disappointments and inspire you to focus on all the good, fresh and wondrous things in your lives.
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