We celebrate Sinterklass on or around Dec. 5th with a small open house for members of the local guild we belong to as well as our few biking friends. Christmas is one or two small gifts of things specifically asked for or gift certificates. We all cook dinner together, and I always make several traditional festive foods for breakfast brunch. I don''t do Christmas cards but since I don't communicate by letter very often and a lot of my family and friends are not that into computers, I always write a New Years' letter, rehash of a few noteable events from the year.

My oldest son, who came out from Washington DC to spend Thanksgiving with us got back and commented that "Christmas had arrived and vomited all over the place over the weekend." That's about the best description I have ever heard for the sudden appearance of festive decor and how I feel about it. Of course here in stepford wives style Katy, they have been up since just after Halloween on all the public sites. But Christmas sure vomited all over the neighborhood with lights, ornaments, 20' inflatable things and 8 foot snow globes over the weekend. Where oh where are the strong winds when we really need them?

just sayin.

marni