Having a very small family and not a huge circle of local friends really simplifies things. That and having a husband who is an introvert and refuses most party invitations makes the holiday season really peaceful for us!

I will do some baking this year to give as gifts to my new coworkers (probably quick breads - cookies are too easy to sneak a few!). I haven't done Christmas cards in a few years, either. It just felt so wasteful to me. It's amazing how quickly you drop off the list when you don't send out cards for a couple of years! It makes me think that everyone does it as an obligation and as soon as there is a chance to stop, they do. I'd rather just call important friends and family members to wish them seasons greetings. But we don't have children to brag about, either, so it's easier.

Gift giving has gotten easier over the years too, but again, not having ANY children in the family makes it simple. We only exchange consumable or home-made gifts with my family. My husband has no family (to speak of) so that's a non-issue. And for each other, we use the holiday as an excuse to buy things for the house that we'd like but don't necessarily NEED right at the moment. This year, it was a new fireplace and wood stove.

We do put up a tree and some simple outside lights, but that's for my enjoyment more than for any other reason. I still love this season, so it makes me smile to come home to Christmas lights when it's so damn dark this time of year.