One of my favorite things about Christmas is snow. I realize that there are many places in the world that don't have snow this time of year -- in fact, I don't know how Australia does it in the middle of summer! I guess if it's what you're used to...but BBQing for Christmas dinner just seems wrong somehow...grin. And this comes from a born and raised Californian who didn't grow up with snow...
The first time it snowed after I moved to Utah, I was thrilled. I sat in our front room and gazed out the large windows, watching each flake fall in fascination. It was totally amazing to me, seeing each frozen flake of water and knowing that apparently none of them were the same.
Some while ago, I came across a site that showed actual photographed snowflakes taken by Wilson Bentley. He was obsessed with taking pictures of snowflakes, taking the first photographs of snowflakes in 1885. I love the quote on his site:
"Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind."
I feel like snowflakes are a gift of beauty.
I like to go outside while it's snowing and let the flakes land on my coat so that I can try and see their intricate designs.
Some of the snowflakes I've used in this blog come from SnowCrystals.com which generously allows me to share them with you as long as I mention them...so I've mentioned them! grin. They have a wonderful selection of photographs of snowflakes, and galleries to view.
As children we were always making snowflakes out of paper. I think everyone knows how to fold the paper and cut intricate designs, opening it up to hang the flakes on the windows. If you still like to make snowflakes, there's a site that allows you to do it on the computer. It's called Snowdays, and it's created by PopularFront.
While I realize not everyone likes snow or is fascinated by snow flakes, perhaps you can have some fun with them.
I think snow is Heavenly Father's way of cleaning the world for just a little while...bringing us some purity and making the world sparkle with beauty for all to see. Since today we got the first snow of the Christmas season, I hope you enjoy it! I sure have.
Return to the Neighborhood.
3 comments:
Gaynell,
Ooo, what a wonderful article. I LOVE snowflakes. They're so beautiful.
Your pictures were great, too. Thanks for the link to SnowCrystals.com.
Oh, and one more thank you ... thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting on "Colder Than an Eskimo's Wallet," and "The Tiny Hug." Glad you enjoyed them!
Howdy! I got your message on my blog, but I can't find your e-mail. Can you send it to me?
Do you want to know what my favorite thing about Christmas is?
It's a rare Christmas that we don't end up acting out the Nativity sometime before Dec. 25. This usually ends in the regular Joseph and Mary tearing my poor baby in half, the angels screaming because they didn't get the right color of wings and the shepards screaming because the angels wacked them on their heads with wands that were supposed to be stars. Can anyone else relate?
This year I was determined to do the Nativity early and well, so I did a little research. I was so excited when I found out that someone had made a backup track (you know, like the church puts on every year) But this one was for Kids. Short, Sweet, and right from the scriptures. It also was set to music, which no one had to remember any lines. Imagine for a measly $4.99 I have officially started a Christmas tradition that didn't end in tears! Thats a Christmas Miracle I'll remember.
This is where I got my nativity audio this site. Good Luck!!
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