In varying forms the give-away is a widespread practice among Native Americans; it is both a physical event and a spiritual concept. The premise of the give-away is more than gifting. It is a denying of oneself so that another may have a better way. Among the Northern Plains tribes, all of creation (humanity, animals, birds, insects, and plants) are part of the sacred hoop. It is an important theological concept that the birth of Jesus took place in a stable, not just to signify a lowly birth, but the presence of the Four-Leggeds and Those Who Fly. The message of Jesus becomes one of not only restoring humanity to God, and human to human, but also human to all of our relations. The Give-Away relates an engaging dialogue between the Whooping Crane, the Snow Goose, the Deer Mouse, the Bull Buffalo, the Eagle, the Fox, the Bear, Old Beaver, Grandmother Turtle, the Wind, the Ancient One, and the Creator. For all ages, The Give-Away is sure to become a Christmas classic.
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