For a person used to constant >100 degree weather, there is something magically surreal about the idea of a White Christmas. Couple that to a childhood in the interminable flatlands of northern Mexico/southern Texas, mesquite trees, and ranches full of cacti, and the thought of a Winter Wonderland naturally becomes an impossibility achievable only through the magic of Hollywood.
And then the mom-and-dad-in-law decided to buy a house in Colorado, and my fabled White Winter Wonderland Christmas magically became real.
We spent our 4 days there relaxing by the wood-burning stove, reading novels on the window seat overlooking the snowy Rockies, and going through Jeffrey’s mom’s long list of “Minute to Win It” games…
We also made an extensive assortment of astronomically calorie-rich treats, including cupcakes, cake pops, pecan pie, puppy chow, sugar cookies, almond bark pretzels, etc., etc.
And did you know that snow-shoeing the silent, peaceful, uninhabited Rocky Mountains is pretty much the coolest thing you could ever do in your life? It’s just you, the snow-covered baby pine trees, a squirrel or two trying to keep warm, the sound of the wind, and the majestic mountainside. (And your brother-in-law whacking you with snowballs.)
We also all had matching PJ’s. Yes.
And because we don’t have kids, we get to be the kids. And go on a sleigh ride! OMG!
The beauty of the whole thing was no joke. And no, of course I didn’t make the sleigh stop in the middle of nowhere so I could jump out, mount the camera on the tripod, and set up The Perfect Shot. No! That would be ridiculous and irrational and embarrassing to all involved………
Also, I coulda’ chosen a smaller hat.
So it turns out White Christmases in Winter Wonderlands exist! Nice move, in-laws. Nice move, indeed.
I hope your holidays were marvelous and that you were able to spend them with your loved ones. Happy New Year to all, and thank you for continuing to read my ramblings and enjoy my photos! You’ve made this blog one of my favorite things in the world!!!!!!!!
