“The Warmth of the Season”

Winter settles gently over the desert, softening the mesas and quieting the canyons until even the wind seems to take a slow, thoughtful breath. On nights like this, Terlingua Jim likes to build a small fire, set his coffee to heat, and let his lizard partner warm his belly on a sun-baked rock saved from earlier in the day.

Jim wasn’t cooking anything fancy that evening—just a simple pot of chili simmering with a dash of his favorite seasoning, Top Hat Chili Mix — but the smell drifted across the desert like an invitation. The lizard gave him a curious blink as if to ask what the occasion was.

“No occasion,” Jim said with a grin. “Just thinkin’ about folks near and far, and hopin’ they’re doin’ all right.”

The fire crackled, tossing sparks into the dark like tiny fireflies. The beans bubbled, the night cooled, and the world felt wonderfully still. Jim took a slow sip of coffee and leaned back, listening to the quiet.

“You know,” he said to the lizard, “this time of year always reminds me to look around and appreciate what we’ve got. Good friends, good food, a warm place to sit… and the promise of a fresh start just over the horizon.”

The lizard gave a tiny nod—his version of a toast.

Jim chuckled. “Exactly. A new year comin’ up, full of chances to do better, laugh more, and maybe even try a new recipe or two.”

The lizard thumped his tail in agreement.

“So here’s what I’m wishin’,” Jim continued. “That every person out there—whether they’re under a snowstorm, a city skyline, or a sky just like this one—finds a bit of warmth, a bit of peace, and a bit of joy as the year winds down. And may the next year bring ‘em good days, good stories, and plenty to look forward to.”

He lifted his mug toward the quiet horizon.

“Happy holidays, y’all… and here’s to the new year ahead.”

The lizard raised his head proudly, as if joining the toast.

Together, they sat beside the fire, letting the simple comfort of the moment stretch out into the night—warm, welcoming, and full of hope for the days to come.