There was a marked change in the trees' appearance since my last visit at the beginning of the month.
The trees are resting, but soon their sap will rise and the green shoots of spring will be here again.
I am feeling a change too, I see groaning shelves of food and gifts piled high in the stores, I want a simpler more modest Christmas than that being offered.
My thoughts turn away from Christmas and family gatherings to those who are less fortunate. In particular I am haunted by the terrible images of the little children who have fled Syria. Over 6 million Syrians are now displaced. A million children have been left to survive as refugees after being orphaned or separated from their parents. They are now living hand to mouth in tents surrounded by snow - these innocent little victims are surely deserving of any help that can be given. 
