Happy holidays, everyone!! (Okay, all three of you. Must we quibble?) As you surely all know, Chanukah came and went weeks ago, but since the non-Jews out there probably feel guilty if they can't wish us Jews a "Happy-something" when they're wishing everyone else a "Merry-something," it seems I've been getting more well wishes this week than I did throughout the 8 days of Chanook. Not complaining, mind you, just observing.

I've already raked in a fair bit of loot, too, I must say. The boss gave some beautiful stuff from Crabtree & Evelyn, and colleagues baked all sorts of goodies and/or gifted various trinkets. I've received 47 jillion holiday cards already (and sent nary a one, as has become my usual), and a few special friends have sent me little surprises in the mail along with their H*llm*rk-ish greetings. The best of these, by far, was the one I received today from Dogs Don't Purr: First, a beautiful card. (I should mention that I've been lucky enough to be on Marcie's holiday card list for several years now, and she always sends something creative and unique.) Along with the card was a beautiful little tin with a clear top, holding a scoop of sand, stones, and exquisitely tiny shells from the beach near where she lives in Cali. What a fabulous gift, and packaged in a perfect little display box. I am going to keep it by my bed, I think, so that I can dream of a warm beach while I listen to the surf outside my own windows at a very chilly beach.

My thanks to all of you for your friendship, humor, insights, and support this year. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Nubile New Year, and may you and your families enjoy good health and happiness, this season and throughout the coming year!