The snow started falling this past Monday, but who knows whether it will last.
In the end, a green or white Christmas really doesn’t matter.
Some might refer to that as a first-world problem. It is.
Conflict consumes the globe, nowhere more acutely than the Middle East, more specifically Gaza, just around the proverbial corner from where the Christmas story began.
Many churches will reenact the nativity scene and welcome parishioners on Christmas Eve. For many this represents the true meaning of the season, the day Jesus was born.
For others it will be all about the latest gadgets and packages galore. Volume and quantity seem to factor too much in some households’ version of happiness.
But each to their own.
Out on the farm it will be a mix of these worlds, joining grandma at church the night before and opening gifts on Christmas morning. Boxing Day will rev up and the party will start anew. One thing’s for certain: there will be plenty of food.
Between the festivities there will be time to slip to the barn. There a couple old farm cats will appear for a pet. Two old miniature horses will seek out some grain and two spirited dogs will figure out where cookies from Santa reside in our coat pocket.
It will be quiet, at least for a bit.
One day or the other, perhaps both, thoughts will turn blue. We’ve been at this too long for it not to come true. Thinking of neighbours, family and friends that we miss, we’ll be comforted by memories and times when they lived.
Tragically, that melancholy will land on a few doorsteps close to home this year.
At some point a call will come from the house. The next round of revelry will be underway and the quiz will start – “where did you go?” “For a walk” will be the response, but most of them know.
Along with supporting those who need a hand and a warm embrace, take stock of what matters and how incredibly lucky we are to have Christmas in Canada, whether green or white.
Express thanks, be grateful and make some memories. Those are the gifts that last and cost the least.
Merry Christmas, from our staff and family.
