The spirit of the holidays, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, is really about giving to others. The saying "'Tis better to give than to receive" is true. As we get older, for most of us, there's not much that we need. Our houses are full of stuff, and the solution is often to move up to a larger house so we can fill it with more stuff (George Carlin had a whole routine about this).

This year especially, at least for me, it's not about acquiring more, it's about sustaining and helping those in need. Charlie gave up his December allowance to adopt a little owl named Yoda from the Moonridge Zoo in Big Bear, California (where they rehabilitate injured wild animals and provide for their food and shelter). In the spirit of giving, and realizing the need to use creativity when wallets are thin, I wrote an "Emily" story in which she finds herself with very little in her piggy bank but wants to give to the most special people in her life.

We hope you enjoy our newest StoryRhyme.com Original Story, "Emily's Handmade Christmas." Be well, and remember, it's the love we share with one another that is the best gift.n