A White Christmas

Snow is on the ground.  Ireland has not had a white Christmas for many years but this year there is a light blanketing of snow, especially on higher ground.

Robbins, Blue tits and Blackbirds are sweeping in and out of the garden to pick up the seed we have left out for them.  Icicles hang down from the roof of our back garden shed.  One single pink rose, on a rose bush has refused to be beaten down by the snow and frost and now holds pride of place in the garden flower beds.

Image via Wikipedia

Main roads have been gritted and are mostly clear but within the estates and on  country roads people and cars are moving carefully.  Hedgerows, fields and trees look wonderful in their white covering.

Image via Wikipedia

My grandchildren are watching the weather anxiously but their parents, backed up by television and radio reports are easing their concerns that Santa may not be able to get around.  Santa we are reliably informed has GPS nowadays and his sleigh is frost and blizzard protected.

Image via Wikipedia

One of the nicest things about this time of year is the warm greetings neighbours call out to each other. ‘Nice day,’ does not quite have the same effect as ‘Hope you have a Happy Christmas,’ while people are more inclined to stop and chat even in the cold.

Whether you have snow or are having Christmas in the sun, may you all have a wonderful Christmas,