This close to the North Pole (not to mention the town of North Pole), Christmas is pretty serious business around here. We've been doing our part by decorating, shopping, cooking and general merrymaking, albeit all on a tight budget, as always. In two years, when our Permanent Fund Dividends start kicking in, things will be a bit different, but until then we're only buying a few things for the kids and just enjoying being together. It's a great way to spend the holidays.
Chloe and Malcolm were lucky enough to see Santa yesterday. Chloe was less than exuberant. And Malcolm rode a bucking bronco like a rodeo champ. Later today we'll go sledding, our favorite outdoor pasttime. It's about 5 degrees outside.
On Wednesday our good friend Chris is flying up to visit! Starting the day in Southern California and finishing it in Anchorage will be a refreshing change for Chris, and we're very excited he's adventurous enough to join us in winter. We're taking the latter half of next week off to show him the sights, from glaciers and mountain peaks to wildlife, nightlife and everything in between. I suspect beer will be involved at some point.
