A week before Christmas, the wind chill was at double digits below zero with a couple of inches of snow blowing in over the ice storm that shut down the interstate for a while. On Christmas Day, you could walk or work outside in shirt sleeves. Neither was what I’d call ideal weather for the occasion but we made do just fine, thank you.

Although I had to finish up the smoked/grilled pork loin with a couple of minutes in the microwave, it turned out pretty well. Randa’s brine marinade and dry rub had more to do with the pleasing flavor than did my grilling but the combination made a right palatable job of the whole deal. Her other efforts, along with Christy’s and Leah’s provided us with a fine meal.

The dessert table lasted all afternoon and evening and still provided take-home servings as well. Although the TV room was mid-project on new walls, we managed to find enough seats for everyone to watch a football game or two and the Chiefs won. We had another game—not football—at the dining table as well. Leah’s big layered ball of plastic wrap with lots of little goodies wrapped in made for some fine family fun.

As long as I don’t have to travel in it, I prefer several inches of snow for Christmas, with it cold enough to make the snow last for just a few days. Ideally, it’s around thirty degrees with no wind. Clear skies. Go build a snowman or two and have a small war with lots of laughs and no frostbite.

But at the end of the day, it matters little whether or not it’s the sort of holiday to put on post cards or not. Being together with some of the folks you love, eating well, visiting a while and sharing good memories while making good new ones and remembering the birth that is still changing lives: those are the things that make a good Christmas.

Whether the weather is wonderful or not.

H. Arnett
1/3/17