Frank J. Buchman

Cowboy • Horseman • Writer

White Christmas Really Insignificant

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas.”

Bing Crosby’s dreams came true as his cash register bells chimed from singing receipts and added glory to his already-high popularity while sledding into eternity.

Many enjoy listening to Bing’s famous recording, we even tried singing our version in the fourth grade Christmas pageant, and smile when this generation follows tradition with renditions of the beautiful seasonal tune.

Several times recently, acquaintances have made similar comment: “It seems more like Christmas when there’s snow.”

True, Santa’s sleigh pulls easier for liftoff when there’s snow. Even the one-horse open-sleigh, although we don’t have one, but wishing for, would work better with snow.

Driving to church on Christmas Eve with snow falling has a romantic sense, and even waking Christmas morning, looking out at everything white makes hearts tingle in the spirit.

Then things all change: it’s time to chore.

Highway Department trucks went by twice; one each direction, north and south. Can’t get the back door open for the snow drift, so go to the garage entry which rolls up. But, there is a three-feet drift to wade through, and snow collapses into the garage, so the door won’t close back.

Fortunately, we can trudge through the yard, as the snow isn’t really that deep, but our left foot starts freezing as the moisture leaks in through a three-inch boot hole. Four-feed drifts must be scooped before we can make a dive out, if the truck starts.

Too many grinds for our heart, but the truck finally gives in with half-hearted roar to take off for the 16-miles, six-hours cow chores.

With assistance from above, and complementary-not-complimentary language, chores get done, even though the cows don’t appreciate their white coats, nor ice in their water when it’s finally chopped to be accessible.

Consolation is that stubby hay they turned noses up to last week tasted pretty darn good.

Well, unlike Bing and many city folks, we really aren’t dreaming of a white Christmas, but we’ll take whatever comes, and wish everyone a most blessed celebration while remembering reason for the season.

Reminds us of Job 37:6: “He orders the snow, blanket the earth.” However, most importantly, First Timothy 1:15, “The saying is true, worthy of full, universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus the Messiah came into the world to save sinners.”

+++ALLELUIA+++

The Latest: