The intention was to purchase two trees–one for inside and one for the front, screened porch. The Fraser Firs smelled especially potent in the 77 degree temperature. I wandered through the sales lot in flip flops, short sleeves and aviator sunglasses…Christmas on the Gulf Coast.

Once home I unloaded the trees from my car rack, dunked them in buckets of water and went inside to choose locations. The inside tree was easy but the porch tree….to condense a long story, it came inside, too. Crazy? Hello…have you met me?

As I wound strands of lights around each tree I realized the smaller tree would have special significance: it would become a tree to honor animals, coral reefs, oceans…all things wild.

As I sorted ornaments for each tree, two of my cats became impatient. They began smelling ornaments destined for their tree…penguins, cats, birds, fish, dolphins, eels, dogs, squirrels…and more. Each ornament was placed with love and hope for a healthier, safer planet for all life.

After their tree was complete, I received a paws-up from each of the three precious four-legged friends with whom I share this home. And on a more universal level, I felt immense closeness with all life on the planet. It felt as if I created a ritual that will gain in power throughout the next month.

The season of light took on a much deeper meaning for me with the creation of the Wild Planet Tree. From its place in my home, every light emits a beacon of hope for us all and especially for all things wild.