Cheerful Red House

A snow-splattered, cheerful red house. Pine, sparkling white. A snowman gladly, proud and robust, wears red-trimmed black hat, a long green plaid scarf. Buttons almost popping off his pronounced belly. His arms branch out as if they are long fingers, and there rests a Christmas red cardinal. Wind-pinched, freckle-faced kid sweeps in, holding a sled - done for the day. He’s ready to make cookies, just as mom promised. The inside is warm. The kid takes off his boots, gloves, jacket, but not his smile. Mom kisses his cold-wet cheek. He is glad for the warmth. His pig-tailed sister is waiting at the table, rolling the dough - the little bit mama gave her. They giggle - they will save a couple cookies for dad, and a tall glass of milk. They cut shapes - trees, sleds, angels and use leftover dough for kolaches filled with jelly. Mom lets the kids eat them warm from the oven, but the cookies must cool and wait to be buttercream frosted. Dad will get his cookies and milk. Bright eyes watch him. The cardinal is now perched on the snowman’s hat. The snowman hasn’t moved. Days go by. The snowman loses his pouch, buttons popping off, his carrot nose on the ground, branches askew. The bird flew away a long time ago and the kids are back in school.