I’ve been in a warm house with a full pantry for three days.

And will be for another three.

I’ll go back to school for a few days on Monday then a long break for the holiday.

And I don’t know what “holiday” means to you, but I’ve never been insulted when someone wishes me “Happy Holidays.” It literally translates to “Happy Holy Days.” And whatever you celebrate that phrase is right. True. A bit of warmth in the cold of winter. Say it. Embrace it.

If as you weather this storm, you have cabin fever and must step out your front door… please, throw some birdseed when you do. Troy Kruse plowed for the neighbors. (He’ll roll his eyes that I mentioned it.)

But please check on the elderly, quiet one next door. Or several down. You know the one. Take note if they have the heat on. Or pour out a pile of cat food for the stray cats and racoons and squirrels. Or all of those.

Also - there are kids who depend on school lunches to feel full for even part of the day… I know some. Kids who missed four hot meals this week. Four days that shouldered into a weekend. And those kids are absolutely aware that their hunger is about to bleed into a long Christmas break.

Whatever your politics, I hug those kids as they leave my libraries and I promise they didn’t pick the situation they were born into.

Anyway- if you’re having a hot meal tonight - if you know a door… suspect a door… that needs you… offer leftovers. Birdseed? Walk to the garage and throw it like confetti. Pile of cat food in the driveway. I call that “holiday” stuff.

Holy Day stuff. Decorate.

The wind is high and the snow is deep. Whichever you choose, whatever you can do - hero stuff. Holy day stuff.