…some thoughts on Christmas:

Instead of purchasing a cut tree, how about buying a ball-and-burlap evergreen to plant in the yard when the holiday is over?  That is what I did when I moved into my house (I purchased an artificial tree afterwards).   The nursery recommended digging a hole for the tree before the ground froze and only keep the tree inside for three days at the most, then plant it in the pre-dug hole.  As I mentioned in a prior post, that tree grew very fast about a foot a year and was quite tall the last I looked at it.  I’m afraid those people that bought my house at the sheriff sale hacked it down like they did that 200+ year old Maple.  Meh.

Anyway, I was thinking about that and wanted to offer a suggestion for this year.

Also, if you are wondering what you could do this season, how about helping the Indian folk on Pine Ridge Reservation?  When I was down at Wounded Knee, they would come on the local radio talking about someone needing wood or they were going to freeze to death.  So, if you are able to get firewood to them (please don’t cut down anymore trees, just what is already down)…please do so.

Or they need warm, waterproof boots, warm coats, wool socks, wool or waterproof mittens or gloves.  They walk everywhere, and I saw them walking into town from Wounded Knee during the coldest weather.  South Dakota winters are fierce and this would help.

A person I trust to send them to so they get distributed to those who need them:  Paul John Brankin of Dakota Legal Services, Mission SD 57555

**Updated to add:  As with anything, inspect things sent…if your gut is giving you that funny feeling, then don’t accept it.  Honor the God given gift of your instincts telling you something is wrong.

Bless all of us that feed the Light.