We awoke on Christmas eve to more snow.  In what has become our snowiest December on record, another five or six inches of snow served to freshen the white coating.  After taking care of last-minute shopping and dinner preparations we decided to take some time for ourselves.  A drive into Saint Paul brought us past this lovely neighborhood park, complete with a beautiful tree shimmering with a fresh dusting of snow and  sparkling lights.  The perimeter of the park was marked by luminary candles, and off in the distance were the lights of the Cathedral of Saint Paul where people were making preparations for Midnight Mass.  For the time we were here at the park, this night was still and quiet.  This was the time to appreciate the evening, the beauty we enjoy during winter, and this magical and hopeful season of Christmas.