Years ago–when our children were young–when the Christmas season rolled around I found myself contemplating what I would begin to collect and put on display to create a festive atmosphere in our home. I gave careful thought to my musings…as a Christian I wanted to present the right message for “the reason behind the season” which is Jesus…I also wanted “something” I could have in our home that could come out “earlier” in cold weather and stay a few weeks past Christmas and New Year’s Day.

I considered angels. They’re beautiful, right? With their golden halos and white wings…some adorned in white robes while others dressed in more elaborate colors and sashes…some singing….some in prayer. No, I told myself–there are “some” people who worship angels or have misconstrued notions about their role in the heavenlies. I discarded that idea.

Then I thought of Santa’s. . Goodness, how many different kinds of Santas and St. Nick figurines fill store shelves every year! And while I think the story behind Santa is an appropriate lesson on caring and generosity, well, in my humble opinion the jolly round red man in a suit has taken much away from the original man we fondly refer to as St. Nicholas…and in some homes, Santa has replaced Jesus as the focus of Christmas and, well,  another well….I couldn’t bring myself to begin collecting Santas. I do confess I have a set of Santa figurines though…inexpensive ones….that belonged to my mother and they do sit on a shelf every Christmas. Afterall, memories from childhood have a dear place in my heart and truly do add to warm thoughts of family traditions.

So, no Santas. No angels. What could possibly remain!  I settled on snowmen! Aren’t they quite neutral? …come in all sizes and materials….foam, cloth, wood, styrofoam, porcelain….So, snowmen it was and continue to be with each winter season.

What if my snowmen could talk? These two little guys are Irish I guess. I purchased this duo years ago when a local businesswoman owned a store that was “all things having to do with Ireland”. Though I don’t have very much Irish in me, I bought them because they were so cute decked out in green scarves, holding a sign with some of my favorite words “Let it Snow”…smiles on their faces which in turn causes me to grin every time I look at them. I do wonder what they are thinking about….

Above my little Irish guys is my patriotic snowman. He wears red white and blue with much pride as he waves his flag in tribute to our wonderful nation, especially to those who serve in our military—past and present. He insists on standing next to war medals that my father earned in World War II and later in the Korean Conflict. I’m very happy that his arm never seems to get tired as he waves Old Glory….and we both are thrilled that “she” has survived many warm months tucked away after all the snow has melted.

Cleaning out my father in law’s home brought this more regal looking man to my collection. He belonged to my father in law’s second wife, Gramma Joan, as we lovingly called her. Joan loved all things wintry and Christmas…she had angels, Santa’s, and snowmen! Dressed up in his wintry best of gold and silver accents, he makes the perfect companion to snow covered trees that I discovered in Joan’s boxes of Christmas decor. I couldn’t toss him or donate him to a place that might never find him a loving home, so he was scooped up by me and seems very content to stand guard by lovely faux pines.

These are but a few of my beautiful snowmen collection. They are quite content every winter. They never complain about where I ask them to stand from November to January….sometimes into February…depending on our snow accumulation. They are happy men and women doing a simple task….keeping our home somewhat festive after the Christmas tree and other decor is safely tucked away for another year. They are conversation starters with all who come to our home for a meal or brief visit….they are fun things to look at and get touched by small hands from little grandchildren.

Their family has ebbed and flowed in number during the past 20 plus years. Some of their friends needed to move on…others didn’t survive a collision with misguided hands…some, well, for some “it was their time” if you get my drift….even snowmen have numbered days or years….

Admittedly my snowman family is a source of yearly light hearted teasing from my husband who will invariably ask about mid January “are the snowmen staying out until Easter this year?” And, true to my nature, I sigh and respond….”well, if there’s snow on the ground, you know…..” and that’s when I wish I had a snowman who’s rolling his eyes. He’d be a portrait of my husband’s demeanor in that moment of giving up…..