Colorado Christmas

Snowy Elk Meadow
"The closest thing to Heaven on this planet anywhere is a quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado snow." ~ Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

We finally got our snow just in the nick of time. It has been so dry we thought it was going to be a brown Christmas. The severe drought means less rain during the summer and not as much snow in the winter. Sure, it's been nice to walk around in short sleeves  and not have to shovel the driveway but something just doesn't seem right. Lakes are drying up, trees are dying and the animals are getting edgy. We needed the snow.

Winter in Evergreen lasts about six months and it can be a struggle. Heavy snow, high winds and bitter cold make life difficult but that's how it's supposed to be this time of year. There is something special about the mountains after a big storm. The peaks appear higher, the air seems cleaner and the sky looks bluer. The hearty inhabitants love a white Christmas and are delighted to celebrate the holidays in a variety of ways.

Locals disregard the brutal elements and enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. Ice hockey and figure skating on the frozen lake, until after midnight on New Year's Eve, is a chilly tradition. The clear black sky is lit up by colored bulbs that dangle from snow covered roofs. Evergreeners don't stay cooped up inside and neither do their Christmas trees. Native spruce and pines are transformed into elegant symbols for the spirit of the people who decorate them.

Maybe things are starting to turn around. It looks like it's going to be a white Christmas after all.
We thought it was going to be a brown Christmas

There's something special about the mountains after a big storm

Winter in Evergreen can be a struggle

Evergreeners love Christmas

Comments

  1. judi December 22, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    I'm jealous, we're going to have rain for Christmas here! - have never been out west and it looks absolutely beautiful - Merry (white) Christmas to you and your family and a Happy, Safe, Fun and Prosperous New Year!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan MillerDecember 22, 2012 at 7:09 PM

      Thanks, Judi

      We like it out here. The change of seasons is very dramatic. We normally get a lot of snow but this year has been very dry. It's just nice to have some snow at Christmas time.

      Delete
  2. UnknownJanuary 10, 2013 at 10:39 AM

    Dan, nice reflections on a special time of year up here ... btw, that Dirt Band song is one of my favorites of the holiday season ...

    -- Gary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dan MillerJanuary 11, 2013 at 9:30 AM

      Hey - Thanks, Gary,

      It is a special time of year. I like it up here because of the distinct differences between the seasons. We're supposed to get a lot of snow during the winter and I like a white Christmas.

      Delete
  3. chen wishOctober 19, 2016 at 9:48 AM

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    ReplyDelete

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