When I woke up this morning, I sensed snow. The curtains were drawn but even inside, the atmosphere felt different. A friendly chill slowly slunk down my spine while the cold tips of my toes pointed towards the cloaked window. With quiet persistence, the snow, shy in its beauty, was just beginning to freckle the ground.
The snow is still falling at a steady pace as I type at my desk with dozy happiness. There are few things I love more in this world than snow.
The world, along with its inhabitants, seems to regain some of its innocence when its dusted with the delicious cream morsels from above. Empty gaps are filled. Footprints seem more purposeful. Gloved hands keep smaller gloved hands warm and assured.
Promises of deep conversation with loved ones by the fireplace draw us all closer to one another. Our semi-defrosted hands cupped around scalding mugs of hot chocolate and tea, the warmth of love and togetherness is palpable and more real than it’s ever been.
In the bleak midwinter (my favorite Christmas carol, if that wasn’t already obvious) the beauty and innocence of life is preserved in frozen clumps of white. The dim glow of fogged over street lamps and Christmas lights illuminate our path towards our fellow beings. Communities converge, families huddle, branches bow to the welcomed weight of snow.
And together, we sense the atmosphere is somehow different.
Enjoy the snow,
Anna
PS: Click here to listen to my favorite rendition of “In the Bleak Midwinter”
Gobsmacked 
Beautiful!
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Thanks, Ma!
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Very poetic, Anna. As I sit here grumbling about the constant snow, your words have reminded me of the beauty of it and made my mood brighter….Thank you
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Thanks, Beth. Glad to hear it, though to be fair, I have yet to return to the winter wonderland of NH!
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“Gloved hands keep smaller gloved hands warm and assured.” Aw.
Every other aspect of the Christmas season here is so far magical (the markets and the carol singers! A real Advent calendar, handmade with my flatmates! Workshops for baking cookies and decorating Advent wreaths! More Glühwein than a single human being should be allowed to drink!)… but we haven’t got any snow so far. In fact, the last couple of days have been warmer than usual. One of the sunniest regions in Germany… so anyway, a bit jealous! 🙂 I guess for you it’s nothing compared to our hometown, but enjoy it even when the streets turn into an ice skating rink!!
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Thanks, Elena! And glad to hear your enjoying a festive Christmas season in Germany! We miss you here in Bratislava but are happy to hear you’re happy!! ‘Tis the season of happiness 🙂
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*your hometown, obviously. Mine just has rain 😦
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