Isms: Original views on life from rural America

The final minutes of Christmas 2023 are counting down. It's nearly midnight, the house is quiet except for the steady hum from the corn stove and an occasional cough from Scott, who is tucked in bed, fast asleep.

I'm sitting in the dark (except for the glow of my computer screen), looking at holiday lights from Cade's place across the street and Steve and Linda's next door. The constant glow brings a sense of peace and calm, a welcome reprieve from the blowing snow landing in the area last night and today.

It's a silent night. All is (finally) calm, all is bright.

Sometimes you just need a lazy holiday, a smidge of down time to soothe and rejuvenate your soul. That's how I felt yesterday afternoon when Scott, Lacey and I all dozed off after lunch. Then, Grandson Jayson scared the bejesus out of me when he crawled next to my face, leaned in and asked, "Gramma, are you awake?"

I am now, so let's talk about the dinosaurs you're playing with. Let me hear your deep, rumbling belly laugh when you tell me to tickle your foot. I choose to cherish moments like this because, all too soon, you'll grow up and times like this will vanish.

Sometimes you need the calm after the storm to sit back and count your blessings. Weather can wreck plans, wreak havoc on schedules, keep family miles apart when a blizzard approaches. When the alternative is a disaster of epic proportions or a broken-down car stranded on the side of the road, I'll urge caution every time.

That's how today ended. Just the two of us, celebrating the birth of Jesus. A brunch-time nap. Movie time. A feast of a bacon and veggie omelet, with a side of wheat toast. Prepping this week's edition. Quiet days like today are ones that define us: spur of the moment, play it by ear, content with you by my side. Not even winter's blanket can spoil the day.

And now, in the quiet, time to reflect on the perfect imperfections of everyday moments. Not every single detail needs to resemble picture-perfect pages from some trendy magazine. Life is messy and things don't always work out. I've spent so many holidays surrounded by loved ones, the noise of new toys and unpopular conversations deafening yet lovely. I choose to cherish moments like that because in the clamor of being, we define who and what are closest to our hearts.

I'm going to relish the quiet of Christmas 2023 today because in six short days, we'll be bombarded with family and grandkids and the house will be in a fever pitch until the clock strikes midnight or later on New Year's Eve. That's how every new chapter should begin - with the people you love.

The wind has calmed now and the street light casts a twinkling glow on the snow. Time for sleep and peace. Heavenly.