The children, all bundled up in their woolies and boots, charged out the back door amidst shrieks of joy and laughter, unleashing pent up anticipation and excitement. Christmas was almost here and the garden was covered in a glistening white carpet.

The first snowfall of winter had beckoned the children out to play. They seemed oblivious to the frosty air as they frolicked hither and thither. Their eager faces beamed with delight and their cheeks shone rosy pink, flushed from the chilly air.

They sculpted snow angels and they crafted snowballs from handfuls of the soft white flakes. Squeals and shouts of satisfaction echoed across the blanketed garden as well-aimed snowballs crumbled powdery white on their targets. The fight was on! Snow was flying.

Soon, the children’s attention turned to the tree. The evergreen, its branches now laden with snow. It was little more than a twig when first planted in the garden—not much taller than the eldest of the three siblings. Now the tallest of the two boys had to stretch high above his head to crown the tree with its Christmas star.

“There, that’s done! Our tree is ready, but he needs his little friend,” the boy exclaimed. His was voice a little deeper this year.

It was their special tradition. Every year around Christmas they would place a beautiful nativity star on their evergreen tree to announce the birth of Jesus. On the years it snowed, they would build a snowman to keep the tree company. After all, everyone needs a friend, right? Especially at Christmastime.

The children set about rolling the biggest ball for the snowman’s body. It was soon accomplished as the snow was thick this year. They placed it close to the tree, and in no time his head was firmly planted on his body. Their snowman was taking shape. Now for the fun part. Twigs for arms, and chunks of coal for eyes, mouth and coat buttons. While the boys arranged those finishing touches the girl ran to fetch a carrot for his nose.

“Ta-da! He’s done!”

“Not quite”, whispered the girl. “It’s cold out here when you’re just standing around! He needs My scarf!”

She wrapped her red wool scarf around his neck, and one of the boys removed his beanie and placed it on the snowman’s head. The three children stood back and admired their creation for a few moments before disappearing into the warmth of their house.

The next day was Christmas morning. After breakfast, and the fun of opening stockings, the little girl moved towards the back window to look out at the tree and his snowman friend. She gave a little gasp and demanded her brothers join her. What they saw was magical to them.

The snowman’s head was not quite as they’d left it and somehow his face was different. His eyes sparkled brighter and his smile was much bigger. His carrot nose was cheekily pointing upward, while his head was tilted back and turned ever so slightly towards the tree. Was he gazing up in wonder at the tree’s star? Yes, indeed! They couldn’t deny what they saw.

“Why does he look so alive and so joyful? Do you think the tree told him what the star means?” Queried the little girl. Before the boys could respond, a voice from behind spoke up.

“Of course he did,” answered their mother!

So, my dear friends, it’s your turn now. What do you think?

Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.
– Andy Goldsworthy