On Christmas Eve, snow began falling late in the evening and continued throughout the night. When we awoke the next morning there was a soft, cushiony plumping of snow covering the snowpack that covers everything, that had accumulated from all the earlier snowfalls. The snow continued to fall through the morning hours on Christmas Day. And then, surprisingly, when the snow ceased, the sky briefly cleared and the sun shone its approval over the scene below.

In fact, it seemed that this was the most perfect indication that the elements of nature's weather system were recognizing how special a day this was for so many people. Visually it was exquisite. Our garden is now truly a winter garden, the trees festooned with snow, the garden beds deep in snow hiding all the summer perennials until spring arrives.

Because it was Christmas Day it was quiet and serene. Neighbours and friends had already wished one another a  Merry Christmas in the days previous, and no one, it seemed, was prepared to venture out-of-doors. True, it was windy, and the wind caught up the snow tossing it about in white, gauzy plumes everywhere. People seemed content to remain in their homes, to feast upon edible treats and to feast their eyes on those whom they care for, in a tradition of renewing faith with their religion and re-appreciating all that they have.

It must have been gnomes making their way through the forest yesterday, ensuring that boughs weighted down with snow retained that pristine appearance for a perfect Christmas landscape. One year, they had tied a big bright red ribbon around what was left of an old wooden bench, gradually falling into total disrepair, and the sight was something to behold ... but not this year.

There is a deep padding of snow covering the forest floor. Today dawned very cold, with a high temperature of minus-12C, wind tearing snow from tree trunks. Today, our puppies needed a sweater, their winter jacket and boots to keep them tolerably warm. Letting them loose in the forest pleases them mightily, and they tear through the trails, ramping up speed so that their little legs fly in all directions.

The creek has almost completely frozen over, at the bottom of the ravine. Snow covers most of it, atop the ice. It's the handsomest the creek ever looks, in fact.