From Maia Mikhaluk in Kyiv (637th day): We woke up to the first snow today. Actually, when we were going to bed yesterday the ground was getting slightly powdered and of course, snow was in the weather forecast for today. Lately, we have been going to bed to the sirens of air raids and waking up in the mornings to read how many drones/missiles were downed by our air defense and where ruzzians managed to kill more civilians in their sleep.
So air raid as a “lullaby” was not unusual yesterday; morning news about another ruzzian terrorist attack was not uncommon. But the first snow was unusual and it was beautiful! Snow was hanging on the branches of the trees, creating that fairy-tale look. The ground was covered with a fresh white blanket – at least in the morning. Kids on playgrounds were enjoying the arrival of winter. In the past, first snow would create a sense of spontaneous celebration – signaling the approach of the Christmas season and New Year. But not this year.
As one friend wrote in her post, most of us wished for a snowless winter – snow will make it so much harder for our military, it makes it impossible to continue reconstruction projects of the damaged homes, it gives less chance for survival of homeless animals.
On the first snow day, I would usually be tempted to go out with my camera, but today’s beauty was not inspiring enough to overcome a sense of dread. So, I will share photos of snow in our forest in 2021. If I could go to our forest today this would be the views…
Voice of Ukraine 
One response to “11/23/2023 – In the past, first snow would create a sense of spontaneous celebration – signaling the approach of the Christmas season and New Year. But not this year.”
Written for soldiers in the world war:
I’ll be home for Christmas.
You can plan on me.
Dreams of snow and mistletoe
and presents on the tree.
Christmas Eve will find me
where the love-light gleams.
I’ll be home for Christmas,
if only in my dreams.
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