Wampum

A few hours ago, my eldest asked me when we were going to go pick up our Christmas tree. I couldn't do anything but mumble some rather incoherent, "I'm not sure we're going to be able to have a tree this year." Trees, lights, trimmings, all cost money, and while Eric's now gainfully employed, we don't expect to see a check this week. I've picked out a few books to wrap for Christmas morning, and may concoct a treasure hunt to draw out the fun. But it will definitely be a non-material holiday around here.

We're lucky, though, as it's just a day, and we'll be paid soon enough. But we've had a tough enough year financially to empathise with the millions of Americans who don't know if the money for food, rent or transportation, let alone extravagancies like Christmas trees and presents, will ever again appear.

So this year, before it gets too late, please remember to drop off a gift at your local Toys-for-Tots, fill up a food-bank bag at the grocery, or spend some time volunteering at your nearest shelter (you can bring outgrown coats along as well.)

And wish for peace. I'll let John and Yoko have a say:

Gracie (on the right) solved the problem herself:

And, yes, they derive genetically from the same stock.