Blog A Go-Go

In which it is Christmas

Today is Christmas, and in my family, the day itself is something of an afterthought--or a denouement to be precise and literary about it. All the weeks of building up, of wrapping and shopping and decorating and fussing about the details, and suddenly, by Christmas morning, it is finished. We open presents on Christmas Eve amid cookies and cocoa, and so for us, Christmas Day is quiet and peaceful. I bought an assortment of decadent pastries--the kind I almost never indulge in--for breakfast. In the afternoon, we go to the movies as a family, always something fun. Gloom and violence are not permitted. We have a delicious dinner, the menu varies from year to year depending upon our whims. (This year we feel Italian, although the day often sees roast beef and Yorkshire puddings.) We putter with our Christmas presents, figuring out new gadgets or dipping into wonderful new books. We watch "A Christmas Story" on TBS, although we have seen it so many times we know the dialogue by heart. It is never quite Christmas until we all sing, "Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra."

I love the idea of taking a brisk walk to work off the meal, but if I am honest, by nightfall I am usually found tucked deeply into the sofa, blissed out and finally relaxed. There always comes a moment during Christmas Day when we all look at each other and sigh with contentment. Nothing to do, nowhere to go, no expectations except to enjoy each other in our cozy house. So for me, the very best part of the season isn't the presents or the food or the carols, although I enjoy all of those things immensely. For me, it is that one moment when everything falls away and I, like Ebenezer Scrooge, feel newborn and light as air. Merry Christmas!

In which it is the season

Now that Thanksgiving is over and the turkey leftovers are but a memory, it's time to think about the REST of the winter holidays. I refuse to put up decorations, listen to holiday music, or buy a single present until after Thanksgiving. Yes, that makes for much more insanity during the weeks leading up to Christmas, but it also means I appreciate the season much more. So, here are a few things I'll be enjoying to get myself in the holiday spirit.

*Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark and MarieBelle Original Aztec Hot Chocolate. Both are seasonal and sinful and should be savored. I am also devoted to Green & Black Organic Hot Chocolate when I can find it. MarieBelle

*Loreena McKennitt's magnificent CD, To Drive the Cold Winter Away. It is lyrical and gentle without being cloying. It celebrates the solstice as much as Christmas, and it is a welcome relief from that odious drummer boy song. To Drive the Cold Winter Away

*Maybe This Christmas Tree, a compilation CD that is as hip and edgy as Loreena McKennitt is ethereal. I would have bought it for Belsana's "Bittersweet Eve" alone, but it also has Lisa Loeb's rendition of "Jingle Bells". Gotta love that. Maybe This Christmas Tree

*A Tuna Christmas, hands-down, my favorite Christmas DVD. I watch the claymation and stop-motion shows of my childhood, and I love the SNL Christmas skits as much as the next girl, but there is NOTHING that can touch the proud citizens of Tuna, Texas. If you're not familiar, Jaston Williams and Joe Sears play ALL of the characters, and they are divine. Between the accents, the pantsuits, and the fake poinsettia jewelry, they could pass for a few of my aunts. Genius. You can check out the show on DVD, or if you are lucky enough to be on their tour this year, you can catch a live performance. A Tuna Christmas

*Heifer Project. My all-time favorite cause. Heifer Project operates on the principle that if you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach him to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime. Donations are used to purchase livestock and establish agribusiness on an individual level in struggling communities. There are over 800 ongoing projects in 50 countries around the world. They graciously accept donations at ANY level, and unlike many charitable organizations, they seem genuinely thrilled at all contributions. You can direct your money toward the purchase of an animal, a flock of geese, honeybees, even a stand of trees to be harvested later. If you're a devotee of the fiber arts, you can even contribute toward a knitting basket of materials to further the textile industries in developing areas. If you donate in someone's name at the holidays, Heifer will also send you a lovely card to send them. A perfect gift for the person who has everything. Heifer Project

*World of Good, one of my favorite places to shop for holiday gifts. They specialize in fair trade, eco-friendly gifts, and their choices are lovely. I have ordered from them several times, and have never been disappointed. The jewelry is especially unique. Many of the pieces are made from glass or seeds, even nuts! I am particularly smitten with the Holy Cow bracelet, a gorgeous red creation made from the bones of Indian cows. (They died of natural causes. I checked.) There are items for the home as well. World of Good

*Strapped for cash, but still want to do some good this holiday? If you're a knitter, you're in luck. Warm With Love is a site that has compiled dozens of charities, here and abroad, that are accepting donations of knitted goods. Scarves, hats, afghans, socks, whatever your knitting passion, there is somebody who needs it. Warm With Love provides links to all the charity sites so you can peruse the cause or the project that moves you. Warm With Love