On my walk this morning I heard a bird call I could not identify. A high note and a low note. Perhaps it was one of the mysterious “colly birds” made famous by the Fourth Day of Christmas, which is today.

Christmas for us has oscillated between upholding traditions and shoveling snow. We cut a black spruce from the woods surrounding our house, then spent the rest of the day mopping up the snow melt from its branches. The pine scent and added humidity rewarded our efforts. We usually save decorating the tree for when we have children with us, but weather and flu defeated our efforts this Christmas. The tree graces our season, even so.

We make two types of cookies this time of year: gingerbread and bizcochitos (an anise seed sugar cookie). We did have help making cookies, but no time left to decorate the gingerbread. Just as well, since Michael prefers them plain. I gave away some to my church group, but we were left with most of them. I asked Michael why we still make cookies. His answer: “So our children will.”

And so our grandchildren will as well!

The snowfall has kept us exercising enough to burn off those cookie calories. We faced a deadline for clearing sufficient space for visitors to make it to our house AND have a place to park. Whew.

Christmas is, first and foremost, a birthday party. Michael is a pie person and I am a cake person, so we get both for Christmas.

Lilith, being the youngest person who can read (at 5!) was in charge of distributing presents.

Felix, being the youngest, was exempt from social graces.

I managed to make time for a single hat. I finished it on Christmas Eve.

No one can party like young ones!

Since then we have reveled in the blueness of the sky, highlighted by raking snow off of our roof.

Marveled at how deep the snow got on our deck.

Rejoiced at the increased level of water in the St. Croix.

Appreciated the ease which having clippers makes cutting Michael’s hair and beard. Power tools. I love power tools!

Birds. Light. Work. Food. Joy. These we share with neighbors. We offer as gifts. We celebrate as life.