Looking out my Backdoor: Christmas, cookies and critters

Last year, I realized I had come to dread Christmas obligations. I like to give to others. But when it becomes an obligation, trying to find that just right small gift for the families on the Rancho, seemed overwhelming.

Years ago, my own children and I agreed to not give adult gifts, but to focus on their children.

Last year I told my neighbors here at the Rancho, that instead of joining the usual gift exchange, I would give a gift to a family in the community who had touched my heart. I told my friends I would wrap the gift with ribbons of thoughts for each one of them. So, don’t brin...