It's 70 degrees and snowing

As I write, Gumbo and Roux have just been given two of their Christmas gifts. These are small, stuffed, squeaky toys resembling a gingerbread man and Santa.

In the time it has taken me to compose two sentences, Roux has ripped the foot off Santa and stolen Gumbo's gingerbread man. He's stolen one back and is working to render the toy mute.

She's now ripping and running with the other, making it squeak as though it's screaming for its life. Meanwhile, Gumbo guards the gingerbread man while herding the cat.

Oops! He's stolen Santa from Roux and is guarding both of them. She's come to me with this, "Mom, make him play right" look.

They're playing tug of war with Santa, whose arms are about to give. It's only a matter of minutes before the bedroom and den will be covered with a soft stuffing snow.

It's 70 degrees outside. This is as close as we'll get to winter wonderland this holiday.