For the past two years we've adopted a family at Christmas wtih at least as many children as ours. So everyone has a peer to shop for. Whe Winter coats top a 13 year old's wish list it makes us all stop a minute. Our rule regardless of the list, is that once the wish is filled each child has to try and answer an unwritten dream with a gift they know they would desire. For me that means each mom (they rarely ask for any but utilitarian things) has a special something. Maybe pretty but warm pajamas that go beyond same old same old with matching slippers. We spend more time on the specialness of these than we often do with each other.

A special tree for the critters is also fun. Peanut butter pine cones, icecream cones filled with lard,top with seed and topped with a cranberry, chains of peanuts, popcorn and cranberry chains. The Living decorations that flock to the tree far outdo the indoor glitter.