This year our Christmas tree needs a drink of water each morning and sometimes one at night. It’s not stalling at bedtime; it’s a genuine requirement. And I’m genuinely happy about it.

I’ve always known there’s a window of time in which to water a tree that if missed pretty much guarantees an early demise. Last year’s tree was neglected in those early hours and never recovered.

It’s hard not to see in this some lesson about needs and timing, that we apportion to the people and the causes in our life the sustenance they require when they require it. Easier done with a Christmas tree than less tangible entities. Still, I’m glad this tree is still thirsty days after it was decorated.

(Last year’s tree. If you’re quiet you might hear the needles dropping.)