On the Tenth Post of Christmas I'm Pleased to Share with Thee...

...Ten Wintry Wonders...

"Oh the weather Up North is frightful, but by the tree it's so delightful! 

And since there's (seriously) no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" 

Only a few days until Christmas so time to slow things down a bit. By now the shopping is (almost) done, the Christmas parties have been hosted and attended and the baking is aging gracefully in the fridge in airtight containers. It's time now to bask in the final countdown to the best day of the year and the most beautiful time of year in northern Saskatchewan. It's been snowing intermittently over the last few days, which is lovely in itself, but when the flurries are over the beauty is revealed. Here are ten highlights of the snowy season so far. Take some time to savour the holidays with friends and family, and to revel in the beauty of the Great White North.

Each branch is coated with a chilly veneer that is further enhanced by the morning sunlight. The days are at their shortest at this time of year, 

so the sun never really strays too far from the horizon.

Today's sapling could be next year's Christmas tree! 

A couple of front runners try not to get too bogged down in a mire of frozen white.

A fresh snowfall creates a charming little hat for a mossy green bearded elf.

Vibrant winter berries starkly contrast the recent snowfall. 

This home still appears to be vacant; 

either that or its current occupant has forgotten to shovel his walkway again.

A lovely pattern of grasses have braved the snow;

their wilted curlicues play nicely on the sleek white background.

A snowball perched on a spruce pole might mean that this is the right way to the North Pole.

An icy bay on an icy day. 

Most water has frozen by now but this keeps moving enough to stay 

glassy and clear throughout the year.

A gargantuan sun ponders the possibility of setting over the prairies, 

but it is only 1pm so it will have to wait for about three more hours. 

Low-lying clouds catch the fluorescent rays of a setting sun that isn't going to go to bed 

without a fight...maybe it's hoping for a glimpse of Santa!