Christmas+The Longest Day of the Year

"So may I suggest the secret of Christmas

Is not the things you do on Christmas Day

But the Christmas things you do all year through."

The longest day has come and gone. Here in wonderland, the snow, ice and rain fell on our heads with delicious abandon, the kind of winter opening night we've come to know and love. This is that time of year when a plan to shop is one of the weekend's activities. Let's report on what gifts will make Christmas special this year:

1. 
   
   
   
   A pine scented candle in a metal container that will replace the tree- somewhat less of a fire hazard, I deduce. This is dubbed "christmas in a can."




2. 
   
   
   
   A reproduction painting in a large gilt frame; frame located at a tag sale; print from the esteemed Wadsworth Athanaeum.




3. 
   
   
   
   The gift of jewelry with a religous theme ,(destined for the neck of a young lady), that will ward off evil.




4. 
   
   
   
   Clothing that will ward off cold.




5. 
   
   
   
   Books that will ward off dunciness.




6. 
   
   
   
   Food.

A trip to Florida will happen in January. This is really enough to lighten the spirit and leaven the dark, long, cold days with a joy of anticipation totally unknown before early retirement set me free. However, all this joy is somewhat tempered by the passage of another year; one that saw both the ruination of the world economy, and the election of a multicultural, multiracial leader of our nation. God Speed!