Some people say they "don't like winter." I think it is a grand and glorious season. Winter brings so many good things I've tried the great big open fires piled high with hickory and ash logs, where we can gather after lessons or over and have such a good time in our chestnuts and apples and popping corn. And when the snow and snow come, how long it is to get on your flexible fly or sand and go coasting down the hill. With the cold north wind blowing on your cheeks and makes them look like cherries. With music flying after and rolling over in the snow, harking with delight. And what can be more beautiful than the snow covering the trees and bushes, with the icicles sparkling like diamonds in the sunshine. There is a beautiful holly tree in our front yard which I call the birds' Christmas tree; it is covered with snow and the red berries peeping from beneath the green and white is the prettiest sight in the world. Here all the birds come when the snow covers the ground. I counted six red birds under it one day, two of them were deep red and the others were pale. The winter always brings the gentle white snow birds. They come on the porches for their meals and are always welcome. They are the most friendly of all the birds. But the best time of the whole winter is when the snow covers the ground.  Christina, when Santa Claus comes and brings so many beautiful things. 