Will there be snow?

I grew up near Chicago. Winter there is often described using phrases like "bitter cold" and "sub-zero temperatures". Never a dull winter with a daily wind-chill factor nipping at your nose. Since my mom's family lived here in Portland, we'd make the long 9 hour trip from Northern Illinois about every other year for Christmas. I remember how badly I wanted to get away from the cold and the snow and the ice and enjoy a warmer Christmas. I suppose I hated the snow because it was my brother and I that were drafted every year (often many, many times) to shovel the driveway and sidewalk (where, by the way, no one would ever walk -- it was 12 degrees below zero outside for cryin' out loud!). Huffing and puffing we'd clear it off only to be back out there sooner than later because a fresh blanket of the white stuff had just fallen teasing us as if to say we'd never win that fight. But even with all that, snow meant Christmas was here and Santa was on his way. Yes, I loved and hated the winter wonderland my childhood home became every year...

As I grew older, I didn't mind as much...mainly because I got to enjoy winter in a different way soaking up the sentiments of the season. By the time I reached college age and moved to the south (Arkansas to be exact) for 4 years, I actually found myself wanting at least a little snow - which sometimes we would get. And I'd long to go home for Christmas to see that beautiful snow on the ground (the drive and sidewalk now cleared by my dad who now owned -- you guessed it -- a snowblower). Now, almost 10 years later, here in my home of Portland, with my 3 kids, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...nothing more or less mind you. Just enough to bring out the beauty of winter for Christmas; to have a snowball fight or two with the family; maybe make a snowman and have a good reason to stay home in front of a warm fire. So, the question is...will there be snow for Christmas? If not, I guess I can always go buy it in a can -- just to have something to shovel...

Merry Christmas!