Iced Out and About

Christmas Day doesn't mean having to stay home

Comments (0) By Jesse Hughey Thursday, Dec 20 2007

If you're reading this to find something to do on the one day when almost everything in North Texas is closed, it's possible that you're stranded here, with some misfortune keeping you from your family gathering. It's happened to me too. Two days before Christmas 2003, the wife, kids and I were caught in a blizzard in Missouri on our way home from the first installment of our multi-family celebration. Progressing at 2 mph, we passed about 10 wrecks half-buried in snow, so we exited at the first motel. As the next day progressed with no sign of thaw or snowplow convoy, we realized we wouldn't get to Grandma’s for Christmas. Fortunately, there was a Super Wal-Mart within car-sledding distance. The kids never questioned the familiar penmanship of Santa's apologetic note or his shaky explanation of why he dropped off the crappy presents at our motel but left the good ones at home. Also, we discovered that A Christmas Story was right—Chinese restaurants are open on Christmas. Despite the terrible start, it was a wonderful holiday after all.

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You can combine ice and a hotel this Christmas (or through January 5) at the ICE! exhibit, a 14,000-square-foot display of ice sculptures including a gingerbread family, nativity and three-level ice slide at the Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Drive in Grapevine. Parkas are provided, but pants and shoes are recommended. Tickets are $10 to $23. Call 1-866-782-7897 or visit gaylordtexan.com.
Nov. 23-Jan. 5, 2007