On Christmas In Wisconsin (Part 2)

Well it is finally here. The day we have spent all December trying to prepare for and yet never seem quite ready. The stockings have been hung and the tree trimmed at my home for some time and we have spent the last few days enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Unfortunately a minor blizzard last week canceled the youngest's school program and we spent the better part of a day without electricity. Other than that hiccup it has been a fantastic week.

Wednesday Dec. 19, 2012: Mad dash to the stores to pick up final items and food stuffs before the predicted storm arrives at 6:00pm. School for Thursday was cancelled by 3:00pm before a single flake of snow fell.

Thursday Dec. 20, 2012: We awake to find a light covering of snow. Reports are that the worst of the storm is due at 12:00 noon. Oldest and I make last trip to the store to find a gift for her to give to the youngest. We also buy her a new pair of snow boots. The storm starts on schedule at Noon. Power goes out shortly after 1pm it is restored by 230.  We think we have dodged a bullet. Power fails again at 430pm it does not come back. We spend a cold dark night huddled together.

Friday Dec 21, 2012: I awake disappointed to discover the world did not end over night and I would be forced to shovel the large amount of snow and ice on the drive. The power is still out. After clearing the drive (partially) I am delighted to discover our Water heater does not use any electricity and am able to take a hot shower. We leave t=he house to warm up at the mall. Most of the town seems to be there as well. We decide to get a hotel room. We head home and begin packing. Power returns just as we are heading to the door. Kids complain that we are no longer going. I am relieved.

Saturday Dec 22. 2012: Annual trip to the Rotary Botanical Gardens Light Show. Biggest crowd we have ever seen at the show. It seems as though the secret is out and this little wonder is becoming a major attraction.

Sunday Dec 23, 2012: Oldest and I consider a new tradition and tour the Victorian Holiday Display at the Lincoln-Tallman House. Very pretty and interesting. Not every day you get to see a bed that President Lincoln slept in.

Monday Dec 24, 2012: Extended family Christmas. This is hard to explain and I will try to add pictures of the event later. When we are all together there are more than 50 of us. My In-Laws, Their 8 kids and spouses, the grandchildren (and in some cases their spouses) and the Great Grand children. It is a gathering like no other. There are games, food, drinks (Tom and Jerrys are the speciality) and a choice of church service at 4 or 10 pm. (My portion of the clan takes the 4pm option so the kids are so grumpy).

Tuesday Dec 25, 2012: Quiet day at home with just the 4 of us. We will exchange gifts and see what Santa has left for the well behaved members of the family. I hope each and every one of you are able to relax and enjoy the day with those you hold dear. Merry Christmas.


As a special treat here is a link to one of my favorite Christmas Stories: Frontier Christmas