My girlfriend and I live far enough north in Canada that we get a white Christmas most years. This year, Christmas Day had a snowstorm heavy enough that we both agreed it was safer to stay home and not go to see our families.

On the morning of Boxing Day:

Girlfriend: “Highways are still closed?”

Me: “They’re open. It didn’t snow overnight, so most of it’s been cleared, although my car is still somewhere under Mount Snowverest.”

We both look at each other, wrapped in blankets, sipping cocoa, surrounded by snacks.

Girlfriend: “You know… both our families wanted us to drive out today to make up for missing yesterday.”

Me: “What if we just… didn’t?”

Girlfriend: “They’ll be mad.”

Me: “Well, we could still be snowed in.”

Girlfriend: “So… lie?”

Me: “You either help me get the car out from under that snow for an hour to be rewarded with family drama and, “when are you getting married” questions, or we stay under the blanket with cookies and a Lord Of The Rings marathon?”

Girlfriend: “You know what? It looks like it might start snowing again.”

I look out at the clear blue skies, without a cloud in sight.

Me: “Well, your vision was always better than mine.” *Grabs the remote and snuggles deeper under the blanket.*