Visitation...

Christmas has created some good, some not so good traditions. What are they?

1. The holiday party - Where would our culture be without these bastions of holiday finery? Seems as though everywhere you go, Christmas revelers are gathering to make merry. The restaurant and catering sectors of our economy rely on them to make money and the purveyors of fine clothing rejoice at the Advent of this season. Men and women alike seem to think this is the perfect time of year to paint the town red wearing dreadfully gaudy clothing that is often WAY too small for their post-Thanksgiving-pumpkin-pie-eating bodies! And the ties, guys, come on, Santa tiled in neon colors wrapped around your neck, what were you thinking? And no reindeer antlers, please, PRETTY PLEASE!

2. Visits from old friends and even older family - Just this evening some old friends came to our home to bring, not just their presence, but also their PRESENTS! Yes, Christmas compels people to visit others with whom they have lost touch, a really great tradition. That's all good, but one request when coming to my house, PLEASE warn me that you are bringing a gift so I can get you something in return. Nothing like a little guilt to go with that bottle of Merlot!

3. Finally, the food. Who can deny that Christmas is filled with culinary treats for the eye, ear, nose and palate? Fresh roasted turkey, mashed potatoes WITH gravy, followed by pecan, or pumpkin pie (watch that waist line!!!) and of course, good coffee. I like Christmas Blend from Starbucks, but any hardy blend with a dash of cinnamon will do. My only complaint is, well, too many sweets. I know, I know, it's hard to complain when your office is a regular stopping place for the See's Candy Mini boxes, but really, folks, can't we figure out a way to put carrots in nice foil packages? That would allow us to eat from the Christmas trough with a little less fear and trepidation. Still, what would Christmas be without the wonderful caramel, chocolate cream, butter cream, white chocolate mints, and...

Hmmm, if you'll excuse me, I need to put my Santa tie on, squeeze into an old pair of slacks and head to the mall. I feel a VISIT to the See's Candy lady coming on! Oh, uh, she's an old friend!

Caroling, Caroling through the snow, Christmas bells are ringing!