Plans

(Warning: My photos will be more pathetic than usual due to an unfortunate
incident with my sad little camera. I am using my semi-dumb phone in the meantime.)

Living in the upper Midwest during the winter months means staying flexible with travel plans. Last weekend, we were looking forward to attending my nephew's out of town wedding. A personal day for me was requested and approved. A hotel room was booked. Sub plans were made. Anticipation of seeing my far-flung family was brewing. And then winter storm Decima huffed and puffed her way across the upper plains. We did as all mid-westerners do when a storm is imminent, check the weather, check the weather and check the weather again, The forecast was not good. The word "breezy" used by our weathermen is a bad sign. Air temperatures of 25 degrees below zero, also not so good. Add to the mix, several inches of downy snow and we have the trifecta of nasty travel. Slowly, I wrapped my head around the fact that we were not going to attend the wedding. The hotel room was cancelled. The suitcase was returned to its dusty shelf. Messages were sent to the wedding party regarding our disappointment. Plan B would be the plan. No wedding.

The good news is my college nieces were able to make their ten hour drive to our house before the storm hit. Their parents live in a different country so we are blessed to have them around when they need a place to hang out. Seeing their car pull into our driveway and watching them lug suitcases, piles of blankets and personal goods into the house took the sting out of Plan B. Hugs and relief for safe travels were shared as they wrestled their belongings into new spaces. Their glazed eyes and weary bodies made it clear they needed a good night's rest and some home cooked meals.

As I write this post on the day after their arrival, my heart is experiencing great peace. Niece #1 is tap-tap-tapping away on her laptop. She has two more papers to write and submit before midnight tonight (official end of the semester). I asked her if she does her best work when the wolf is at her door and she replied, "Yes, but you have to be careful. Sometimes the wolf eats you." Niece #2 is strumming away on her ukulele, experimenting with vocalizations and different chord patterns. Look out Don Ho!

The fragrance of cookies baking in the oven permeates the house in anticipation of Christmas treat trays to come. Quality control sampling is enjoyed. Okay, I confess, we are going a little beyond sampling. We will just adjust the size of our Christmas trays. Or bake some more. A hotdish made of meat, potatoes and carrots, affectionately dubbed "comfort casserole" by my nieces, awaits its turn in the baking chamber for a hearty evening meal.

A glance out the window confirms Decima's arrival. Fluffy flakes of snow drift and swirl as the winds whisper their blustery intentions. The downward march of the temperature reminds me the forecast of 25° below zero is quite probable. Birds flit in and out of my bird feeding station as they frantically gorge themselves in anticipation of things to come. A regal hawk swoops in and perches on the deck railing. His gaze confirms his place in the food chain. The little birds stay hidden until the coast is finally clear.

Whether you are experiencing Plan A, B or Z this holiday season, my wish for you is a very Merry Christmas! Eat cookies, drink tea and play the ukulele if you happen to find one handy.

Faves

Despite my tendency to eschew all things tinsel and holiday, I do find myself getting caught up in a few favorite traditions each year for the Christmas season. Mind you, I haven't sent a Christmas card in twenty years and I only put up a Christmas tree (miniature and artificial) if my son-in-law and daughter are making the long trip home. This year, the only thing that hints of Christmas at my house is the poinsettia plant my long-suffering husband purchased in an attempt to brighten up my beige world. I will, however, participate in the following traditions. Maybe.

1) Fudge--Who doesn't love a pound of butter, three cups of sugar, cream and a bag of chocolate chips melted and poured into a baking dish? Sometimes I have to make two batches because the first round doesn't last long enough to make it to the family gatherings. Oops.

2)  Wild Rice Soup--More cream and butter, please. Onions, celery, mushrooms and wild rice add a little healthy to the mix. It's the perfect way to add some cozy to Christmas Eve. And it is crockpot friendly, so easy peasy. 

3)  Holiday movies--My husband cannot pass up "It's a Wonderful Life." I get a little weary of Clarence floundering around in the snow and tinkly bells ringing, but it is undoubtedly a classic. I prefer "The Christmas Story" with tongues stuck to flag poles and perilous BB guns. Ralphie's decoder ring reminds us all how important Ovaltine is in our lives. 

4)  Chocolate covered cherries--Oozy liquid goo surrounding neon cherry centers is just wrong. But somehow a box of these always lands in my shopping cart.  I mumble something to the checkout lady about needing a last minute gift. Moments later, my chin is painted with a little cherry drizzle and it's game over. Good thing the boxes are rather small.

5) Schaums Christmas Cameos--During my 7th grade year (don't even try to do the math on that one), I received two Christmas piano music books. A recording went with them so I could hear what the songs were really supposed to sound like if executed properly. I never attained such perfection but every Christmas I dust off my books and play the songs once again. The pages have become soft with wear and the covers are long gone, but "What Child Is This" never gets old.

6) Calm--This one cannot be baked, bought or borrowed. It demands a little soul searching and prioritizing. I like to filter my choices with the simple question, "Is this really necessary?" Coffee and a good book definitely stay on my "to do" list. Decorated, rollout cookies, not so much.

Be courageous and trim a little craziness from your schedule. If you like wrapping gifts, go for it. If you don't, stick with gift bags or better yet, cut down on your gift list. If you like decorating, adorn to your heart's content. If not, gaze upon your favorite potted plant or photograph. If baking isn't your thing, buy a few treats and some peppermint stick ice cream. No woman should be measured by her ability to create the perfect holiday for others.