So here it is, less than 2 weeks before Christmas, and as usual I have a fairly desultory scattering of decorations thrown about the house (whatever was easiest to get to, basically), no tree up, lots of attic stuff I'm not eager to tackle, and the only exterior nod to the season a big, tacky garland that I scored cheap because it was the display model at Home Depot (and that Tim called "the anaconda" as he fussed and spit about putting it up along the porch).
Meanwhile, my neighbor--who works for a golf course construction firm and is thus home for the snowy season--just plopped out yet another elaborate light display to fill the only corner of his yard that had any space remaining. I think I hate him.
One year long after we kids had all left home, my dad said to hell with it and put up what he called a "Christmas pole": a shower rod with lights wrapped around it and a couple ornaments on it. My mom was horrified, but I can't help thinking about that thing with some envy as I stare at the stack of boxes at the top of those rickety little stairs.
This evening I'm going to bake something fattening, make up a big batch of something alcoholic, and turn this overwhelming to-do list into an opportunity for decorating and enjoying some good cheer with my family, but I'm not much of a bartender. So... the point of this long, rambling humbug is to ask you guys for your favorite holiday spirited concoctions--recipes, brands, techniques, whatever it takes to put a shine on the season. Bonus points if it can be offered in a nonalcoholic version as well so Tommy and Katie can have some, too.
Thank you, and happy festivus.
Margie

serve heated with a bit of orange peel.





