. . . and Chanukah, which actually begins its eight-day stretch at sundown on Christmas day this year and takes us right up to 2025.

So, with just five days to go, let’s see where we are on our holiday checklist:

Shopping. Done, and all orders received in plenty of time. Thank you, UPS and Amazon. – Check.

Wrapping. Um . . . no, not so much. Hope to finish today or tomorrow. But since I discovered those wonderful drawstring gift bags a few years ago, it’s much quicker — and easier on my back! – Check.

The tree. It’s in the living room and beautiful as always. – Check.

The menorah. On the buffet in the dining room, ready for the first lighting on Christmas night. And our “Chanukah bush” — in reality, a beautiful Norfolk pine bedecked with blue and white lights — standing at attention. – Check.

Baking. Cookies are scheduled for tomorrow, though not by me. That honor now goes to the next generation down the line. But I’m very good at sampling. – Check.

Imbibing. Eggnog and hot apple cider, coming up! Take it with or without the hard stuff: your choice. – Check.

And so it goes, each year a little different, but somehow the same as we hope for the world to take a breather from all the hostilities and enjoy a season of this:

And look forward to a better year to come.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
12/20/24