Well, we sure have gotten a lot of winter lately, haven’t we? I was enjoying the mild fall but all this white fluff had to come around! But, in the spirit of Christmas, I’m choosing to be grateful. And I encourage you to say thanks for some of the same things on my list.

I’m thankful for salt. Where would we be without salt? Probably in the ditch.

I’m thankful for plow drivers. Because you get called to work at odd hours during the worst driving conditions, the rest of us can more safety drive to work at dangerous speeds while we pass you on the highway because you’re going too slowly. Thank you. 

I’m thankful for snow tires. I drive a 2012 Ford Taurus. I don’t even know what clearance is. Snow tires give me at least a fighting chance. 

I’m grateful for sunglasses. Sure, it’s a great look to rock in the summer, but you haven’t really seen how bright the sun can get until the light reflected off the snow gives you free laser eye surgery.

I’m thankful for snow boots. They decrease my likelihood of sloshing around in wet socks all day by at least 20%. It’s something anyway. 

I’m thankful for Christmas sales. Now, finally, I can afford to buy all of the junk that I don’t need! No, wait- I mean, I can buy Christmas gifts for my friends and family. Yeah, that’s it.

I’m grateful to live in an apartment complex. No shoveling, hallelujah!

I’m thankful for my Christmas tree. It’s two feet tall and bright pink, because I insisted on having my own Christmas tree in my bedroom when I was six. I kept it all these years, and now it’s the perfect Christmas decoration for an apartment with two naughty cats (the bigger they are, the harder they fall, that’s why we go small.)

I’m grateful for all the snowmen I see when I drive around. All the kids are so creative, they always make me smile.

Finally, I’m thankful for our Patriot readers. Because you’re all wonderful people who make this community a great place to live. But mostly because without all of you, I’d be out of a job. Merry Christmas, everyone!