Merry Christmas Chico

Christmas Eve into Christmas Day, Chico has been embraced by the strongest strom of this year. The wind breaks trees and strains the walls of every building. There is a creaking in every foundation; a struggle of human structure against the ravaging of nature. I stood outside at four Christmas morning. Trying to find some semblance of philosophical beauty our ancient ancestors had. Be it Zeus angry at our transgressions, Thor expounding his strength, Indra fighting some unknowable evil, and Raijin beating his incredible drums accompanied by his brother Fujin with his wind filled bag. If only I had the imagination of our forebears, then maybe I could write something interesting. Some story that could last for eternity; a story that some could believe in. I could only stand outside for a few minutes; soaked and cold with no reason as to why I had just performed such a futile act of being beaten by the weather. I will say my house felt much more comfortable afterwards. I am thinking of the children who have the forethought to wonder if Santa will make it to them this year. With the tumultuous weather outside I know I myself, if I still had that beautiful belief in a jolly red suited man, would be very worried for his well being. I see a headline, “Breaking news, Rudolph struck by lightning, Sleigh destroyed, Santa’s remains found in Bidwell park, Cause of death, Gravity”. I also wonder how many children will learn that fantasy breaking truth that Santa doesn’t exist, if they have the wherewithal to put it together. If flights are being canceled or delayed, surely reindeer on a slay couldn’t make it through. At the same time I see Santa stopping in Columbia first, picking up some party favors and rolling into the storm higher than his sleigh whilst listening to “Crazy Train”. If he makes it through, we all know Mrs. Claus will be tired tomorrow. Hopefully the elves aren’t kept up by the noise. Merry Christmas Chico, Happy Holiday, I hope you stay warm out there.