Wrapping up the holidays

Spirited beverages, rich foods, succulent fruits, gourmet cheeses, cut-out cookies, peanut brittle, and old time favorites like springerle and marzipan, plus lots of chocolate and candy canes. Christmas trees and holidays lights set the scene for family and friends from near and far who gather to share in glad tidings, remember those who are no longer with us, and perhaps sing a carol or two.

Those who serve the country are remembered and their families are given special assistance. Phone calls, airports, traffic, driving in the snow, and shoveling.

A few more parties yet and the holiday season, including New Year, will be wrapped up until next year.

How will you celebrate the coming of 2005? A casual and cozy party at home? An elegant dinner at a fancy restaurant? Or strutting in your dressy duds and dancing the night away? Everyone has their favorite way to greet the new year.

All celebrating done, it will be time to make resolutions, which for most folks, means diet and exercise, or quitting smoking or drinking. Or, for the more profound, perhaps being a bit nicer to your neighbors.