Davis: Holiday visits can have itinerary feel

Grandson Jason came in for his all-too-brief visit on the day following Christmas. By the time you read this, he will be back in Florida where, if I lived there, most of Christmas break would be occupied with going to the beach. Here, we did other things, just as fantabulous.

It’s essential that the Christmas Snow Village be set up and in place before he arrives. This year, it was right on schedule, placed several days before my Dec. 15 birthday. However, when he was small, the plan always included having it come completely into existence during one night, after he went to bed, so that it would appear as if by magic when he awoke.

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These are, you see, the original 1980s large-style Snow Village houses. Handle with care.

Granddaughter Mikayla strapped on her first set of skis last March during a youth ski trip, and proved to be an apt learner. So the trip to Ruidoso included one who had tried her wings, and one who was completely new to the queen of winter sports. Of the risks a 14-year-old must take to test himself, we shall not here speak.

Ruidoso itself is a worthwhile trip to have taken with the grandkids, at this time of year. I had forgotten the town decorates its small but attractive park area near city hall, displaying light up toy soldiers, angels, decorated trees, etc. We just noticed that on the way back from the hill, and a crystalline snow that was falling added exponentially to the feeling.

The problem with this beloved grandson coming for Christmas break is that we have to cram many activities into a short space of time. Needless to say, he also has his own agenda, experiences and activities that are his own priorities. Some of that includes allowing enough time to play Minecraft with his sister and his buddy. We just count ourselves blessed that a couple of early teen boys tolerate the presence of a 10-year-old girl and treat her as an equal. Pretty sure it’s a good pattern for all of them.

So by the time you read this, frantic Christmas break will be over. Teachers are back in the saddle, with kids to follow in a couple of days. My grandson will be back in a place those of you who hate the cold would wish you could be, and our own climate may be anywhere between 5 degrees and snowing and 60 degrees and sunny, perhaps on the same day. Hope you had an awesome holiday.

Clyde Davis is a Presbyterian pastor and teacher at Clovis High School. He can be contacted at:

[email protected]