When it’s time to take a break from the drama of the holiday season and the rain/hail/snow has finally paused, you may decide to prune the tree in your front yard. This is not advised immediately following an ice storm, or on a windy day, and should be avoided. In any event, proceed with caution.

Your neighbor will notice that you have emerged from the warmth and comfort of your home, and will quickly pounce on you. You will welcome him into your branch-strewn yard and then proceed to rant at him about whatever has been bottled up within that you were pretending wasn’t on your mind. He will smile and nod his head sympathetically. Then it’s his turn.

As you listen to his story, you realize that things could be much worse in your life. Your perspective changes as the naked branches fall from the moss-covered tree, and a ray of sunlight bursts through the remaining crown. A scrub jay appears from under a nearby holly bush, clutching a still-writhing rat, and flies across the yard to enjoy its meal in peace. Your neighbor goes back across the street to chase an escaped pet, and you collect the branches you have dropped in a ring around the tree.