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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

The Slice: What weather do you dream of?

It has been quite a few years now.

I remember being astonished by the realization that not everyone in Spokane hopes for a white Christmas. Still makes me shake my head.

But I’m fair-minded. So let’s look at both sides of this issue.

What are the pros and cons of a white Christmas?

Pro: Classic yule optics.

Con: Driving on snow and ice can be a challenge, even for those who believe their rigs are capable of defying the laws of physics.

Pro: Ever seen a malamute romping in fresh Christmas week snow?

Con: Heavy snow can lead to power outages.

Pro: Some people who grew up in places where it seldom snows figure what’s the point of living this far north if we’re not going to have a white Christmas most years.

Con: It reminds some people in the Spokane area that they really aren’t suited for our climate.

Pro: Treetops glisten.

Con: Getting hit in the face with a snowball.

Pro: Holiday skiing, snowboarding, et cetera.

Con: It probably wasn’t snowing in Bethlehem.

Pro: We have been trained by music and movies to expect a white Christmas.

Con: If you don’t get out there within five minutes after sunrise and shovel your sidewalk, your neighbor will report you to the city.

Pro: You can’t build a Christmas snow individual without Christmas snow.

Con: Bah! Humbug!

Pro: Just like the ones you used to know.

Con: Heightens risk of canceled flights.

Pro: If it snows on Christmas Eve, you can proclaim it a Christmas miracle.

Con: Not liking things is just your way.

Pro: When you text your sister in Seattle, you can say “Oh yes, all we need now are the sleigh bells.”

Con: Weather is frightening. Remember the Donner Party?

Pro: It makes everything bright.

Pro: Snow angels.

Pro: Nothing like a kid in a snowsuit on Christmas morning.

Pro: Your loved ones love it. Turns Spokane into Snugsville.

Perhaps I should have said being fair-minded remains an aspiration.

Today’s Slice question: You know those Nativity sets that have various human and animal figures to be placed in and around the manger? Sure. Well, what figure would an agnostic add to complete the creche? What would an atheist add? What would someone of a different faith add?

Write The Slice at P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; call (509) 459-5470; email pault@spokesman.com. Certain G.I. Joe/Barbie interactions back in the day would now be considered actionable.

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