Winter Time

 The smell of spices waft from a bakery as the cookies and pies for the Christmas holiday bake in the ovens. Outside, a chill is in the air. Forcefully, the wind sways the trees as it whistles through space. Along the streets, ivy and holly garlands are hung intermittently with festive red bows and glittering red and white candy canes. In the town square, a giant tree twinkling with lights and shiny ornaments stands high above the street. Below the tree, a life-size nativity reposes. The infant Jesus lying in swaddling clothes in a manger with his mother Mary and Joseph kneeling at his side. Surrounding the manger, inquisitive children ask their parents to tell them the Christmas story. The bustle of people, wrapped in coats and scarves, does not slow even in the cold.  In the five and dime store window, little dolls, toy soldiers, and play houses are displayed advantageously for all to see. With noses pressed against the frosted window, children dream of the toys that are exhibited. White gossamer snowflakes float gently to the ground as the sound of ‘White Christmas’ glides effortlessly on the wings of the wind. The sound of laughter echoes along the storefronts as children skate on the ice-covered pond on the edge of town. Sparkling like gems, icicles hanging from the trees tinkle as the fingers of the wind gently run through them. In a field beyond the town, the sleepers of the town repose. Tombstones bedecked in green holly and red berries stand above the ashen landscape with pictures of the ones who slumber beneath the icy ground. Poppies can be seen lying against the cold grey stones boasting of the hero who rests there. A woman dressed in black stands before one of these with tears in her eyes. She kneels before the grave placing a wreath against the masonry. With a quiet prayer, she stands and walks back to her home and the children who await her. The winter sun shines warmly against the snowy ground as it slowly sinks below the horizon. Tomorrow is a new day. Christmas a day of joy and life for all mankind. 

~Natalie~

Originally published on my previous blog on Nov. 11, 2014