The mix of excitement and dread is in the air..
The first snowfall has just drifted from the heavens,
christening everything in sight.
A blanket of crystal frosting causes the trees to bow
with the heaviness of its descent.

You can hear cars putter up the icy hills;
drivers swearing at one another
for going either too fast or too slow.
The sound of children practicing
for the upcoming Christmas church play,
blend in with the radio's holiday tunes
at every quarter past the hour.

Carrot-nosed snowmen cover the landscape
decked out in scarves and mittens
covering their bare twiggy arms.
Snowball fights at every corner..
one or two badly-aimed throws
hit your windshield as you drive by;
the children scatter trying so as not to be seen.

Toddlers laughing while making angels
in the pure, fresh fallen flakes.
Rosy cheeks, bright clear eyes, cold noses..
all part of the winter fun.
The smells of hot chocolate
and baked apples mock empty stomachs
as mom calls out from the front door.

Old men at the nearest gas station
tell their stories of Christmases long ago -
walking barefoot in the snow
5 miles uphill just to get to school,
joking that this 'white stuff' is just God's dandruff.

The softness settles so gently upon the rooftops,
making every street look like gingerbread houses from Candy Land.
The wintry dust is illuminated by the streetlights.
An angelic aura fills the city..
The festive spirit enters the heart of the people
greeting one another with smiles
and wishes of good cheer.

The wonder of the holiday fills their eyes like little children;
giddiness and silliness etched in their mischievous looks.
Garland and candy canes on every store window;
icicle lights hanging from every home
glowing blue and clear.

The smell of burning wood billowing in steam puffs
filling the town's nostrils.
Every eye gazes upon this season's dew
and for a time, Connecticut seems.. so beautiful.

12/10/2000

Posted on 12/12/2002
Copyright © 2024 Melissa Arel