It is that time of year when we get ready for Christmas. Mom loves it, and I like all the lights, smells and decorations of the season. Mom always displays a beautiful nativity advent candle ring, and she and little Sprout lit two candles this Sunday. I like this tradition; I think it reminds people what the real reason for Christmas is – the birth of Jesus.
Now, since little Sprout came along, this time of year is even more fun. He is helping mom bake fancy cookies, and I always try to help. I know I could herd cookies really well, if they would let me. They did make small dog shaped cookies, maybe for me! It is mom’s secret recipe, but I think I detect cream cheese in there! 
Sprout and I mixed peanut butter cookies too. He lets me help a lot.
It has been warm and nice still, after a couple big blizzards. A little snow stays now, probably won’t be gone til spring now. Winter is not as much fun, the older we get, but the meadow is pretty in white.
I know soon mom will make me a coat, she has been measuring and fitting, and I bet that thing will show up here. I’m still sure I do not need a coat!
Sunday was a great day. We went up the mountain and Son- in-law Steve climbed up a steep bank and cut down a tree for mom. It was ragged on one side, but mom will put it up against a window. She has had her eye on that tree for months, knowing that tree will soon fall off it’s rocky perch, probably when the spring rains come. She believes it is better to end as a beautiful Christmas tree and bring others happiness, than to fall and wash away, unseen and unknown, in the rains. You know, we can do that too, and practice what this season is about all year. We can show kindness and generosity, we can bake cookies and give them to others, and we can make memories with our family and friends. Especially this year, people need to stay strong, be wise, and focus on what is good and right. Let’s bring that attitude into the Christmas season, and on into every day we have.
