Dreaming of a White Christmas

As mentioned last week, the authors at HopeSprings Books are celebrating Advent with some mini-giveaways. Today, I’ll be giving away a copy of my tween novel, Hear No Evil. And just in case you’re thinking you don’t have any use for a tween novel, I’ve had several adults tell me the story pulled them in and kept them reading to the very end. But first, I wanted to share a fun story that proved to me God has a sense of humor.

I grew up in Wisconsin where white Christmases were pretty common. But for most of my adult life, I’ve lived in southeast Texas. I really miss snowy Christmases. Down here, we’re lucky to see snow anytime during the winter months. But a couple years ago, we got real lucky.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2004, our pastor made an important announcement. While talking about worship plans for the Christmas season, he encouraged everyone to plan on being present for the Christmas eve services. “You won’t want to miss it this year,” he said, “because I promise we will have snow for Christmas. I guarantee it.”

Well, on Christmas eve, the snow machines had been rented and put in place. But that year, Christmas eve blew in on a cold front and that afternoon, the weatherman actually predicted snow flurries. My son and I were out running errands and kept an eye out for the first snowflake. Was that it? Or was it only a cinder from someone’s fireplace, caught up in the wind?

Shortly after we got home, real snow started falling. Neighbors came out of their houses and danced around in the falling flakes. My older son was driving home from out of town with some friends. The car barely stopped in front of the house before the four of them jumped out, faces raised to the sky with looks of wonder and joy. One pulled out his video camera and started filming the event. Another pulled out his cell phone to call a friend.

The ground was still warm enough to keep the snow from accumulating. But the snow was still falling that evening when we went to Christmas eve services. Even when we came out after the service, it was still snowing! Real snow! We laughed about our pastor’s guarantee of snow for Christmas eve, and joked about elevating him to prophet status. Like children wanting to stay up to see Santa, we all put off going to bed as long as possible, because the snow was continuing to fall. By morning, there was close to an inch accumulation on the rooftops and along the street gutters. It was the first white Christmas in recorded history for Houston.

That Christmas eve stands out in my memory, not just because of the snow. But because it always reminds me that God has a great sense of humor. I’m sure He laughed even more than we did as He watched us celebrate the birth of his Son. . .with snow.

Okay, now for the giveaways. To win a copy of Hear No Evil, leave a comment and tell me what would be your favorite thing to do in the snow. Would you make a snowman? Or snow angels? Have a snowball fight? Go skiing? Or would you rather be inside snuggled under a blanket next to a blazing fire with a cup of hot chocolate? I’ll announce the winner right here next Friday, December 13th.

Next, be sure to enter our  Rafflecopter giveaway for a free Kindle. And check back here on Monday for a link to our next Advent giveaway!

 

P.S. Before you leave, enjoy one of my favorite Christmas songs about white Christmases in Houston.