Several ideas drifted through my mind for a Christmas letter this year, but nothing stood out as all that compelling. I considered outlining various events and achievements that have occurred throughout the year, interjected with humor and self-proclaimed wit. I thought about bragging on my kids and grandkids with sufficient sugary sweetness to leave the reader with tooth decay. A few themed ideas popped into my head from time to time, but nothing powerful enough to wrench free the confining grip of writers block; until today.
The department in which I work is putting on a winter season holiday party God forbid they call it what it is a CHRISTmas party which, by the way, was one of the themes I considered, A politically correct celebration of all things non-spiritual and otherwise meaningless. I will digress a bit here and say that on my DOC provided work schedule, one of the designated paid holidays actually says Christmas. Personally, I feel all those who are offended by calling a duck a duck should have to work on Christmas and be paid straight time like any other ordinary day. I also think they should have to dress up as Ebenezer Scrooge.
As part of the celebration activities, our department manager asked that we each send her an email describing our favorite winter season activity. I thought about this request (more likely over-thought, as I am inclined) and sent her mine as follows:
I suppose my unique Christmas tradition has changed since the kids have grown and moved away from home. On those far too many Christmass that I am unable to spend with the kids I load up my dog, Shade, my horse, Jack, and my mule Annie, and make winter camp at a favorite spot in the Owyhees. I ride on Christmas Eve and if Im lucky it snows those big fluffy snowflakes that muffle the sounds of the desert. Christmas morning the critters are presented with stockings filled with apple/oat horse treats and an extra-large dog biscuit for Shade. I saddle Jack and head for a high spot where I can usually get cell reception and call the kids. Depending on the weather, I may or may not head home later Christmas evening, all the while secretly hoping I get snowed in until New Years.
After sending this write up to my boss I wondered what she would think of it. Would it seem sad to her? I hoped not. Sure, I would rather spend Christmas surrounded by family, who wouldnt? Unfortunately, we cannot always have things via Norman Rockwell. The most we can do is make the best of any situation and hope we live to tell of the adventures.
The small assignment seemed to be the leverage I needed to pry loose the strangling hold of writers block. I decided instead of the typical Christmas letter, I would write a story. A story I could share with my grandkids for many years to come. This story is based in truth. Its inspiration derived from a very special Christmas spent in the desert not so long ago.