A White Christmas

December 29, 2008 - The snow is upon us!! Well we didn't have too much time to fret about the coming wintry weather this year. No, no - we were forced to jump right in, with several snow storms in the weeks before Christmas. Fortunately, we have flexible schedules and the luxury of being able to just stay put during snow storms. You can be sure that we thoroughly enjoy these forced days off, no matter how it may inconvenience our life. Yes, there was shoveling and snow blowing:But there were also beautiful walks in the quiet snow. We went walking in the huge open fields right out our door, where you couldn't hear a thing and the untouched snow in every direction was unlike anything I've ever seen. I think most of us have days where snow is nothing but an annoyance. But it can also be so incredibly peaceful and magical, and there's nothing like a cup of hot cocoa at the kitchen table while you watch the snow fall out your window.

Here's the chicken coop all covered in snow:

The chickens are surviving the weather relatively well so far. The snow is more of a problem for them than the cold - they see this layer of white fluff and they simply won't leave the coop. It is their first winter though, so maybe they'll get used to it...

And then it was Christmas! This was one of the most low key, relaxed Christmases that I can remember. Our gift giving theme was food - some people got locally made jams, honey, or wine, while others got wrapped bags of organic groceries. Given the economy and our values, it seemed like the perfect gift. Plus... it kept us out of the malls! What Joe and I discovered this year is that Christmas can be any kind of celebration you want it to be. If you don't like shopping, be creative with gift giving. If you don't subscribe to the religious aspects of the holiday - celebrate something else - like the Winter Solstice! The 21st was the shortest day of the year. Whether that makes you happy because it signals a time of rest and rejuvenation or because it means the days are now getting longer - it's a reason to celebrate!

For decorations, we didn't go too crazy. The smell of fresh greens form outside always makes me feel celebratory, so since we have limited space, that's what I focused on. Here you can see our winter wreath and small potted Christmas tree (which was only in the house for less than 24 hours, since the heat would have killed it - can't have that).

Christmas Eve was exciting for us, because Natalie got to play baby Jesus at Church! Elizabeth was Mary and - get this! - Joe was Joseph! Here's the Holy Family getting ready for their big performance:

During the scripture reading they walked up to the front of the church and stood in the front by the manger.

Joseph kept baby Jesus happy with goldfish under his robes, and everything went quite smoothly.

On Christmas, Joe and I spent the day at home (our first Christmas at home!). We exchanged simple stockings filled with things like nuts, teas, spices, beans, toothpaste, and chapstick. We had a very relaxing day, reading books we had received the night before, taking a holiday walk along our icy road, and making phone calls to all our loved ones who we weren't able to be with.

We hope that you all had a fantastic day as well and are enjoying this holiday season! In case you were wondering, planting season is only about 3 months away!!!!

Merry Christmas!