Last weekend we went north to the arctic circle. It is very beautiful there, pristine wilderness, interesting bridges, good local food, nice people and Santa.
My husband was in a very happy place, here was Santa in his own village. Everything dedicated to, "The Big Guy" including seeing him in person. Santa originated in Finland as far as I know. American's have changed Santa into something else. We spent Saturday there, walking around, taking pictures in front of the one story tall snowman, sliding on the ice slides-with and without sleds, and enjoying eating reindeer meat. My daughter picked out some souvenirs and we hung out with friends. We perused the offerings, reindeer hides and many items made of reindeer antler. The softest buttery leather that I have ever touched was made into purses and wallets and cute chatchkies. There is even a post office there, open every day, that has a special post box for letters to be sent at Christmas time. You can write a letter and leave it there and it will be mailed in time for Christmas 2012. They have Christmas stamps all year round and they will hand cancel your letter before sending it. There is no extra charge for this, just regular postage. Heavenly.
On the other hand, as a Jewish girl, I don't like Christmas. It is one big party that I am not, and will never be, invited to. I was always different, daughter of immigrants, olive skin and so on. So I was always on the edge of society and Christmas made it all worse, emphasizing how left out I was. As a result, in my life I include everyone. A positive from a negative.
Shabbat (Saturday for Jews) is my day off, I spent it in Santa's Village. Looking at Christmas stuff. While it was -33 degrees Celsius with a windchill of -40 degrees C (-40 is the same at Celsius and Fahrenheit) which irritates my lungs. Looking at the one story tall plastic snowman. While listening to Christmas music, which I don't allow in my house. Debating whether or not I would send Christmas cards to my nieces and nephews, which might aid and abet their view of Santa being real. In the end it was Shabbat and I cannot write on that day so I didn't send anything. So my husband's idea of Heaven was just the opposite for me. Same place, same people, same setting, different reactions. It was all good, we enjoyed being together even though we didn't go on the reindeer ride.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Snow
We have experienced some different snow conditions since we moved here. There was one week where it snowed every day and night on and off. I loved walking to school to get my daughter and dancing with the snowflakes.
At home I look out the large picture window, and watch the schools of small flakes swim up, down and around before dropping out of sight. A few perch on the window sill and watch what we are doing.
Looking south last week, into the sun I watched as the heavens showered us with grated diamonds. There were a few clouds above us sending miniscule flakes our way and the sun picked them up and the sky was full of diamond shards. Will always remember that.
At home I look out the large picture window, and watch the schools of small flakes swim up, down and around before dropping out of sight. A few perch on the window sill and watch what we are doing.
Looking south last week, into the sun I watched as the heavens showered us with grated diamonds. There were a few clouds above us sending miniscule flakes our way and the sun picked them up and the sky was full of diamond shards. Will always remember that.
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