A Vermont December Evening

By G. E. Shuman

          There’s something a bit magical about a cold December night in the North, especially after the evening meal and conversation have come and gone. The hours to follow, to me, are special times to share, or even to be alone in.

          A winter evening is an exceedingly quiet time, often filled with the wonder of being drawn to a window during a gently falling snow. Outside that window, the earth has changed from the gray naked trees and bright white fluff of day to the inky blackness, crystal stars, and ghostly drifts of shimmering nighttime snow.

          Standing still outside on such a night, away from the warmth and sounds of the home, you can see and hear only what the snow wishes you to, and that is not a lot. This winter blanket covers the land, demanding the world’s attention as it hides every earthly detail and muffles every sound.

          I once observed that a windless rain landing on the fragile leaves of fall sounds exactly as does bacon frying; likewise, a windless snow drifting straight down to deepen that pristine blanket sounds like nothing at all.

          It is a picture of perfect silence, especially at this time of night, and somehow even more so at the edge of a forest in the bright light of a full and frozen moon.

          A solitary walk on such a night reveals much more about this Vermont December evening. Tiny lights twinkle from decorated neighborhood homes. Cars pad down newly softened streets, the red and green traffic lights themselves taking on fresh meaning in this magical month. And, along the walk, the scents of evergreen branches, evening coffee brewing, and wood fire chimney smoke is simply wonderful.

          If you’ve never been to our fine state, or if it’s been a while since you’ve visited in winter, I invite you to treat yourself to a truly heartwarming experience. Dress warmly and drive safely when you come up here. Watch out for deer on the road and moose at the tree line. They will not watch out for you.

          I wish everyone on earth the peace of this holiday season and the joy of knowing at least one Vermont December evening.