HUBER COLUMN: Family discussion makes for a happy meal

By Lola Huber, Sauk Prairie Eagle columnist

It must be that time, the busiest time of the year. At least, it's the busiest next to lawn and gardening time.  

Thanksgiving is behind us. The TV Christmas shows are crowding the screens. We know we like them, even if we've seen them every year for what seems like forever.

Since winter is "my season," every snowflake is a joy, every chilly morning is refreshing and every golden-red sunrise means a great day. Friends look at me with disdain on the first cold day and wonder at my counting snowfalls and my fixation with winter. I smile inside with the joy of the moment.

There is nothing like walking in the snow, hearing the "crunch" under foot and feeling the chill of brisk air all about. Even Duke, our dog, sniffs the cool winds and rolls in the snow beneath the willow tree as his prelude to winter.

The birds are lining up on the power lines, ready for their last take off. In the dead of night, the howl of the coyotes, another sound of nature, signal a catch of their repast. From my kitchen window, the sight of deer is quite usual. They come out of the snow-covered pasture, cross the road and head up into the woods.

Thanksgiving has passed, leaving only memories of folks and family from near and far around the dining room table sharing the bounty we have prepared.  

A great-grandson, Joey, led us in prayer of thanks. Talk is of other Thanksgivings and Christmas shopping, spiced with a few deer hunting tales from past and present.

The night after Thanksgiving is the time we light up the tree on the hill as our greeting to the neighborhood and passers-by. All the labors of checking lights, cords and connections a month ago are now all deemed worthwhile.

The winter "grumps" are asking, "Where is the snow?" Even they feel a bit of snow is necessary to put people into a mood for the holidays. They like this "decoration time."

A little snow is needed for that search for the best tree on the lot to grace the living room and put the traditional 6-foot wreath on the side of the house.

This is the time for all family problems to be put aside for awhile. A time to reflect on other winters and other holidays, do a bit of shopping, smile a lot and make new memories of this winter and the holiday season at hand.

- Lola Huber is a wife, mother, grandmother, retired secretary, stitcher of crafts, collector of oil lamps, giver and a doer.