On Saturday night, I attended Ocala Florida’s Light up Night.  I had a great time and came away from it feeling excited about the upcoming holiday season.  I love this time of year – the holiday music and festive lights, the traditional scents and foods.  Yes, I know – I definitely have rose colored glasses.  I tend to overlook the angry mobs at shopping malls, and the exponential growth of the debt ratio.  What can I say?  I’m a sucker for the season! 

I came across this cute story this morning and it brought a smile to my face.  Nothing like a little Christmas contest to start off this holiday week!  Plus, it features some of my new favorite creatures – donkeys!  I have developed quite a crush on George and Alan from the 7MSN Ranch and I start off nearly every day with a dose of those handsome boys.  (Go on, check them out.  And then just tell me you don’t love them too.  I dare you!  But be warned – you will likely become a George n’ Alan junkie just like the rest of us!) 

Anyway, back to the Christmas contest.  The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon, England has come into possession of quite a unique apple split perfectly down the middle, half red and half green.  They have decided to use this Christmas apple to raise awareness and raise funds for their donkeys’ care.  For a small donation (approximately $3.32 USD), you can vote on which of the “Twelve Donkeys of Christmas” gets to partake in the rare apple.  The donkey with the most votes by December 4, 2009 wins.  There’s not much time to cast your vote, so head over to the Donkey Sanctuary’s site to see photos of the donkeys and learn more about the sanctuary.  Oh, and my vote goes to Wilson, shown below. 

Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary