The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

The final minutes of Christmas 2023 are counting down. It's nearly midnight, the house is quiet except for the steady hum from the corn stove and an occasional cough from Scott, who is tucked in bed, fast asleep.

I'm sitting in the dark (except for the glow of my computer screen), looking at holiday lights from Cade's place across the street and Steve and Linda's next door. The constant glow brings a sense of peace and calm, a welcome reprieve from the blowing snow landing in the area last night and today.

It's a silent night. All is (finally) calm, all is bright.

Sometimes you just need a laz...