Christmas in the Lands of the Fir Tree and Pine

Christmas in the lands of the fir tree and pine,
Christmas in lands of palm and vine,
Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white
Christmas where cornfields lie sunny and bright.
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.
      -Everywhere, Everywhere, Christmas Tonight - Phillip Brooks & Lewis Redner

It hasn't snowed very much this year, at least not here in Fairmont, Minnesota.  So I don't have any snowy pictures to share ... yet. I'm sure we'll get plenty.  So here is a picture I took of my backyard last winter.  I've added a little bit of animation to it to make it new for this year.

The Salvation Army is in the middle of it's annual Christmas Fundraising.  You've probably seen the bell-ringers out at the grocery stores and the mall.  Maybe you've already dropped in some change or a couple of bills.  Perhaps you've already sent in a donation by mail. Or perhaps you've been waiting to give online.  If that's the case, here is your virtual kettle.  This link goes to a kettle for The Salvation Army of  Fairmont, Minnesota but you can use it to locate the Salvation Army unit nearest you.  Thank you for your gifts.