Despite the fact that I live in New England, I’m not particularly fond of winter, or the cold, in general. Having grown up in New Jersey and lived in Florida for a short stint, I prefer a slightly warmer climate.
I know the next four months will be a challenge for me. The air is now crisp. The autumn splendor is winding down. The firewood has been split and stacked (a week later, I’m still sore). The first traces of ice have been spotted. And the juncos have returned once again, apparently finding our winter weather a pleasant alternative to what they would have faced further north.
My wife is from the region. Her family is here. My parents have recently joined us. Like it or not, I have accepted my fate: I am here for the duration.
On the bright side, we have the good fortune of living in a charming, quiet, and rural area, situated in a small valley directly across the street from a Christmas tree farm.
Being in a valley of Christmas trees means several things:
We get to enjoy gentle, rolling hills - especially nice for sleigh riding.
During the holidays, we can simply walk out the front door, saw in hand, and return a short while later with a tree.
And as is the case with most valleys big or small, at the bottom of our little valley is a peaceful, rolling stream, attracting an abundance of interesting wildlife (hawks, beavers, deer, bobcats, fishers, possibly a mountain lion or two). Not to mention the occasional small child.
After walking my first grade son to the bus stop this morning, I allowed myself to be sidetracked on my return trip with a leisurely, reminiscing stroll.
As I walked down the hill, I was reminded of seasons past, and our celebration of the winter solstice which included sledding, snowball fights, a giant snowman and some cheap champagne.
I stopped at the stream, and could see for a moment my two little boys splashing and frolicking in a summer adventure.
Walking through the trees, I could hear the voice of my three old calling to me during a game of hide and seek, “You can’t find me, Daddy!” (He was wrong. I did find him, and he was covered in Christmas tree needles.)
I’ve lived in and travelled around Europe. Been to Disney. Taken cruises around the Caribbean. Seen the Stones at Shea and Springsteen at the Meadowlands. Partied with the best of ‘em (and the worst of ‘em).
But in the end, those things all pale in comparison to the simple, special, everyday moments I am blessed to share with my family in our little nook in the woods.
Yes, even the ones that happen in winter.