The Gift of Stress

by Heather

Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is on the way. 

I was in a family therapy group where the discussion was on avoiding stress when the woman next to me noted that Christmas was two weeks away. 

I immediately felt tremendously stressed.

This was not because I don't love Christmastime or the holiday season. With the many different friends we have, we sometimes call get-togethers Christma-kuh or Hanuka-mas. It doesn't matter; most of us see a higher power or a God, and whether we're worshiping Christ or not, for those of us who are Christian it's a season where we remember his love for all men, and his message of peace. 

But, no way out of it, it's become a commercial holiday as well.

And I am not known for organization. 

I'm finishing up a book I promised for next week. I don't break my work promises. But, wait! Why aren't there more hours in the days leading up to Christmas? I also need to decorate! Whoops, wait, I need to clean before decorating. Kids are coming in from out of state and I can wait to see them, and I want the rooms and fresh and clean and the shopping done . . . . and darn if the dog doesn't want to go for a walk, too. 

Yes, Christmas can mean stress!

So, I heard a charming story that may or may not be entirely true. The basic facts are true, but how much is also romanticized, I don't really know. But I do love the concept that out of stress, we can get great things. So, here's the story . . . . 

Once upon a time in Oberndorf, Austria--December 24th, 1818, to be more specific--the holiday was about to be celebrated at the Church of St. Nicholas. Priest Father Joseph Mohr was distressed because music was such a part of the Christmas Eve service--beautiful music, in honor of God and Christ and all the angels--and he had a broken organ (some say it rusted; others say it was mice-chewed).  Now, they did have guitars. And two years earlier, he'd played around writing some lyrics.So Father Mohr went to headmaster and musician Franz Gruber who quickly composed music to go with Father Mohr's lyrics. The song was performed that Christmas Eve, and came down to us through history as one of most beloved Christmas carols--Silent Night.

Would the song have been created if it hadn't been for the stress cast upon Father Mohr by the fear that he wouldn't have the beautiful service he wanted to honor Christ? Maybe--perhaps even probably at some point he would have gotten around to finding a friend to put music to his words. But I like to think that stress--created by wanting all our loved one to be happy and joyous for the season could bring about really good things. Was the organ really broken? The first time that version of the story was told was in a book entitledThe Story of Silent Night published in 1965 in American and written by John Travers Moore. Or so it is believed.

I love the story, and I love the concept, and most of all, I love the song. And I love Christmas. If I really have one wish for this Christmas, it would be that we all remember the message of the season. Whether we believe in Christ as a savior or a prophet or an historical personage, one thing is irrefutable--he message was about love and peace. 

So, how do you feel about the season? Stressed out, joyous--or ready to smack the woman who stole your parking space while you were being kind and decent and waiting for the elderly man with a shopping cart to slowly move out of the way so that you could slide in? Will it mean family, a big dinner, Christmas Eve Mass, Christmas day mass . . . a movie! Christmas carols, time for all, and maybe a little Hanukah-mas or Christa-nukah? Lots of presents, homemade presents--baked goods? 

Whatever it may be, may it be stress-free or stressfully productive! As we come closer and closer, I'd like to wish Silent Night, Holy Night to one an all. Or, the happiest of the holidays, in whatever way you comprehend God, peace, and goodness.  

PS--Thanks to my dear friends Kathleen and Jimmy Pickering and Florida Romance Writers and Mystery Writers! My first impression of horrible stress was greatly relieved by the fantastic party at the Pickering house that fateful day I realized we had two weeks to go. A good lesson in just how wonderful it can be to share the season with friends and family! Things--even a clean and decorated house--can never compare to people, friends and family, and the one gift we can give and use and never have enough of--time.

~Heather

 

Comments

[Harley]

I feel about as competent as Pluto in that last photo. I managed to get a Christmas tree this weekend, but the effort so exhausted me that it's still sitting in my living room, stark naked. I can't face putting lights on it, let alone ornaments.

Does anyone have a fool-proof method of stringing lights on trees? Last year a friend came over and was so aghast at the bad job I'd done, that she completely redid them.

[Reine]

Hi Heather,

I am too stressed for Christmas. Tree broke last year. Getting new one with wheelchair in the shop, and no van anyway, makes it a little less fun but more creative. Going to spend Hanukah-mas/New Years with Auntie-Mom and family in Palm Desert. Then off to physical therapy/rehab for a week at Rancho Los Amigos-- a special stress all its own. More kids up in NoCal ago visit after that.

Harley, about 10 years ago I started buying pre-strung trees. Looks good usually. Now I get fake pre-strung. Not bad. Use our own ornaments. the cats like it, and after enough eggnog who cares.

In hurry and stressed. Can you tell? Gaaaaaah.

[gaylin in Vancouver]

I am not stressed at all. (knock on wood) I am having one friend over on Christmas day, who may or may not bring her 2 poodles. We are having turkey tortilla soup for dinner, watching the Disney Christmas parade and having pumpkin pie for dessert.

I have made and mailed all my Christmas cards, I was mildly stressed about getting those done, now I just need to put my paper crafting supplies away.

Harley, you need to invite that same friend back to do the Christmas lights again for you this year.

[Mary Stella]

I'm a little stressed because I'm spinning a lot of plates this year on top of normal things. I just sort of shrug sometimes and remember all I can do is all I can do. Really looking forward to seeing family soon. That makes everything worth it.

[heather graham]

A tree with pre-strung lights, yes! Maybe I can find one. Gaylin and Harley, kudos on the Christmas cards. Mary, I'm so glad you're going to get to see your wonderful family.
For some reason, today is getting worse! I woke up thinking about everything that needed to be done, and instead of hoping up, I watched a rerun of Law and Order Criminal Intent that I'd seen before. Sheesh!

[Kathleen Pickering]

I've committed myself to a stress-free holiday season. Only doing what I can, when I can--and making sure I'm smiling every step of the way. I figure by this point, if I hand you an unwrapped gift . . . or promise you one before the New Year, you'll love me enough to know . . .IT'S JUST ME!!

Heather, I cherish you so very much. You are like a Christmas present in my life every day of the year. You looked amazing arriving to the party in your Mrs. Claus outfit. So glad to have spent time de-stressing with you and everyone we love. Merry Christmas, my friend!!

[heather graham]

Piks, thank you! And, again, what a wonderful night. I was in bed at 8:00 last night after Traci, you, and I did our talking til 5:00AM, but you threw the party of the century. And the pool was so beautifully warm, if you come home and find me in it, don't be surprised!

Friends really are great de-stressers!

[Connie]

Stress is hardly the word I can use to describe how I feel at this moment. Things are so tough right now that faith is the only way I can get through Christmas this year. I felt my heart fall to my stomach several weeks ago and that sick feeling isn't going away. Oh well I know it will get better, it's just taking longer than usual. Waking up and feeling like a failure at this time in my life, is pretty hard to take. I am thankful that I have my family, as they are my rock. I just hate letting them down.

[Nancy Pickard]

Heather, I hope I get to meet you some day. You seem to have such a big heart and everybody who mentions you says they love you.

Our family is so tiny that we barely do Christmas at all. Part of me envies the big hearty family get=togethers that others have, but a bigger part of me is happy (and relieved) to remain outside of the fa-la-la and enjoy the spectacle without having to feel the stress.

I wonder if on-line shopping has eased holiday stress in big ways?

[Hank Phillippi Ryan]

Heather, you are always so loving...

Okay, so I got gorgeous Christmas cards. And now, they are on the dining room table. SIgh. Maybe they'd make a good centerpiece?

[Karen in Ohio]

This year's holiday season is probably the most laid back of my adult life. Or at least it promises to be that way. All my presents have been bought but one, and I've decided to make the stressful thing I have to do for that person her gift, in lieu of a purchased gift she doesn't want or need. My husband and I stopped exchanging gifts years ago, so unless he gets a major wild hair, I've also received everything I'm likely to get this year.

My kids decided to donate to one another's charities, instead of buying things for each other. They live in two different time zones and temperate zones, in three far-flung cities, and are not able to be together this year. We were all together last month for the youngest one's wedding, and that was our "Christmas". And our Thanksgiving, and whatever else. It was tons of fun.

I'm not even putting up a tree again this year. Made a wreath from heavily berried cedar boughs from our farm, added a bow, and hung it by the door. Dragged out the piney scented candles. Done. I didn't even get a poinsettia this year--the first time in decades.

[Beth Ciotta]

Raising hand... Stressed. Mostly it's because, like you, Heather, I have a book due. I finally took this weekend to try to cram in ALL my shopping and baking for friends, family and biz, and as of today I still have some baking left and all the mailing. Trying to do so much, non-stop in three days while fretting over the time lost writing... well, I know you know. No decorating this year, at all. I've let that go. Instead will enjoy all the decorations and festivities when I go up to in-laws for the actual holidays. Loved your story about Silent Night. Love that song. Love you! Enjoy your time with the family. You can do it!

[Nancy Martin]

Now, see, Connie's post made me think I'm on the right track this year: Scaling back. Reducing expectations. Why should anyone feel so low and stressed and beaten up? I think we're all working too hard to make a living Hallmark card. Gaylin's tortilla soup sounds so much better than a perfectly splendid crown roast with toffee pudding or whatever spectacular dinner that can put half of us in the hospital. Yikes! We're trying too hard! Trying to top ourselves is self-defeating. Ease up!

[Nancy Martin]

Speaking of stress, that Munch painting, The Scream? My grandson, who was learning to use the potty at the time, was asked what he thought the person in the painting was thinking. He said, "I have to PEE!"

[Reine]

Karen, a wreath sounds wonderful, and it's real. How nice that you at so talented!

[Elaine Viets]

Hannuk-Mas. Christmas-kah. Now those are worth celebrating, Heather.
I prefer to hide under the bed until the holidays go away, but I still have to buy presents for friends and family and I'm behind. Blessings on the Internet.

[xena]

Tradition in my family has always been the menfolk do the lights and the women do the decorations and tinsel.
It's a big production where they lay out the strands on the floor and check for burnt out bulbs etc then the wrapping around the tree plugging one strand into the other and making a step on switch to turn them on...oh it was quite a show!
One year I asked my son and his friend to do the light part. Boys will be boys. They took the hedge mesh lights and tossed them over the top of the tree. Done.
No money for such frivolity anymore. So a few silk poinsetta on the door and in the pots at the end of the sidewalk is about it. Stress? We don't need no stinking stress! We can't afford to get my son home from Boston this year.
The last thing at Christmas eve service is Silent Night with everyone holding up their lit candle. It's really beautiful.
Merriest of merries and enjoy each other you all.

[heather graham]

Well, here's a weird one for you. I have a tendency to think of myself as easy going. But, I'm learning that in my insidious little way, I'm controlling. Bryee told me that I don't mean to be, but say, if one of them wanted to be away for Christmas day, I'd be devastated and angry. I got very lucky with the one married child because my daughter-in-law celebrates Ukraine style--on New Year's! So, I want to see them so badly, but I worry that they'll be happy that I want to see them so badly! Elaine, save me a place under the bed!

[Alan P.]

OK, there is a major advantage to Chanukah. With 8 days I don't have to squeeze 5 family parties into 48 hours. With Christmas and Chanukah overlapping this year I will have to deal with the fact that my MIL does not understand that her families religious observance ranges from Orthodox to Christian and the Christian parts of the family might not be available on Sunday afternoon, the 25th.

Big Al, the Pizza Dude delivers to two malls. The lit pizza sign means I do have a certain leeway in where I park (you do get dirty looks pulling into a docking zone with a dozen no parking signs around it). Yes people will gladly kill you to get to the mall. Considering how bad traffic is around West County Center in July, you can guess what it is like now.

My biggest gripe, and I think it is worse this year, is "the holidays". I don't know when "the holidays" came into use, but it is meaningless to the point of insulting. You might mean Christmas and New Years, or you might mean Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate, but chances are, you mean Christmas so just say it.

I was with my mom and said something about wanting to spend all of December in Israel and not have to mess with Christmas at all. She said she had been wanting to do that since the day I started Kindergarten.

What is Christmas like for non Christians? Take a look at the December issue of a "Progressive" magazine. The same publication that would never refer to a person of color as black or African American, or dare to speak ill of any member of the LGBT community has a quarter page article on blue and sliver wrapping paper (eco friendly) and a latke recipe, and 234 pages of Christmas.

[Alan P.]

Totally off subject:
Thank you ladies. After last week's discussion on pierced ears, I decided it was time for Princess One to have them done. She didn't even flinch. She wore a pony tail to school today to show them off.

Back on topic:
I do love Christmas Wrapping: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtmd-nfb7MA

"you mean you forgot cranberries too?"

Tomorrow, the Pussycat Dolls rendition of Santa Baby! Ertha Kitt sounds better, the PSD look better.

[Reine]

NancyP, a huge yes to on-line shopping. While I often worry about local stores, the internet has made things much easier at Chrishannuka. I still like getting out and doing things, though and often order online through local stores' web sites. A local Jewish women's group has a fundraiser of wrapping Christmas and Hannuka presents in stores every year. They raise a lot of money for charity and . . . well it seems like such a lovely thing to do. Adds to the festivities in a very nice neighbor-ish kind of way.

[Ramona]

I really hate Christmas. I'm not an ungenerous person, but I get annoyed at the rude shoppers, annoyed at people pushing the "reason for the season" schtick, annoyed at the incessant repetitive holiday music, annoyed at the neighbor who has a light-up helicopter in her front yard. What the heck does that signify? I am a huge grump this time of year.

But then...my little nephew has discovered Harry Potter. I went out and bought him all Harry-related stuff and, for a little while, I think I rediscovered joy. There were times when the ONLY thing my sons and I could discuss without arguing was Harry Potter.

Whoever says literature isn't important is full of crap.

Connie, I don't know you or your situation, but hang in there. You may have failed at some thing, but you are not a failure.

[heather graham]

Connie, no more is more loved or more worthy of love than you! I am going to try to help you with that "stress" level and I think I even know how!

You have NEVER failed any of your family or friends. You are the best.

And I'm going to un-fail here by making you know it.

[Sarah]

Ditto what Heather said, Connie. Failure is only in OUR minds. That's where it stops and ends. As I get older, I take great comfort in that often overlooked philosopher, Popeye. "I am what I am."

And everyone else is damn lucky to have us in their lives!

Be easy on yourself, Connie dear. The best gift you can give your family is just being there. Seriously, that's all I'm giving this year. (Okay, and maybe a couple of books to the lucky few.)

[heather graham]

No one does Santa Baby like Eartha Kitt!

I am so accustomed to a zillion different celebrations living in Miami that I don't even think about it. We actually do have friends who celebrate Kwanzaa, too. I think that my home range friends are so diverse--and luckily so open-minded--that we're all happy to have good food and fellowship that we're glad to understand what each other believes.

I don't mind saying holidays because it covers it all! I don't believe we should be stopped from putting trees (not really religious!) anywhere, nor should we forget symbols for any religion. Okay, so, I wouldn't be happy if devil worshipers go busy, but you know what I mean!

[Karen in Ohio]

Reine, thank you!

Hank, you can use the greeting cards with your shoes as the centerpiece. Please post photos, 'kay?

Al, but that's the thing: Saying "Happy holidays" is for when you don't know WHICH holiday is most meaningful to the recipient of the greeting. I would never say "Merry Christmas" to you, why would I? To you, it would mean "big tips on Christmas Day". I'd much rather be specific and say "Happy Hanukkah", which I would totally do because I know that's the particular holiday most meaningful to YOU. Why would I wish a Happy Kwanzaa to you? See what I mean?

Heather, it's hard to let your kids go and celebrate with their own families. I feel you, hon.

[Karen in Ohio]

Santa Baby, as sung by the incomparable Ms. Kitt, is my all-time favorite Christmas song that isn't a carol.

Madonna's version: Ugh.

[Reine]

Connie, I missed your earlier comment . . . just want you to know that I'm thinking of you and hoping things will right themselves quickly. It can be an awful time of year for so many. I hope your family will be supporting and that you will not worry so much about disappointing anyone. I know that it is not a matter of will, but it might help a teensy bit to rearrange your expectations, while leaving room for activities, as they feel good. For myself, I've always found distractions to be helpful.

[Karen in Ohio]

Connie, as someone who has lived through many dreadful, and dread-full, Christmases, let me assure you that it does get better.

Hugs and good wishes for a better 2012.

[Reine]

Alan, I've noticed that peculiar tokenism with the huge Christmas - Chanukah divide in advertising and other spaces. I know that saying "the holidays" can be problematic, but people don't always mean Christmas. It's a time of year, isn't it? Some of my Jewish relatives say "Merry Christmas," yet one or two are very careful to point out every year, between Halloween and New Years Day, that they do not celebrate Christmas, as if we have said, or will say, something terrible. I never know what to say then. I love getting together to celebrate anything as a family. I love Chanukah, but I never get invited except to my ex in-laws who I haven't seen since 1967.

[Harley]

Connie, if you're the Connie I know and love, I hope you know I adore you and I am only one among thousands who do. And if you're any other Connie in the world, I am certain that there are uncountable numbers of people who love you.

When it comes to stress, I say Christmas Shristmas (or Holidays Shmolidays) and my tree might just have to remain naked, if that's what it takes for me to have a nap and more patience for my kids and the dogs.

[Linda Rodriguez]

I have to have this book done by end of the year, so all the cleaning, shopping, etc. will have to be squeezed in around that. I've warned my kids, friends, and relatives that I have to work every day, other than Christmas and my wedding anniversary two days later.

I'm with Kathleen. You'll get your present sooner or later, but if you want it wrapped deliciously, it's probably going to be some time in January. If someone in my family is under a deadline or stressed, I don't even want them trying to do the whole fancy holiday schtick. So I decided I would treat myself as well as I'd treat a friend or family member.

[Nancy Martin]

Okay, I've been writing books for 30 years, and I don't have many rules to live by, but here's one I have learned: Nevernevernever have a December deadline. Or a January one either. My sanity is worth more than any on-signing check.

[Deb]

For me, Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of a Savior. There can't be any better Gift than that. But I AM human, and I DO fall prey to a lot of running around, trying to get certain things done, trying to figure out how simply I will finally decorate, falling behind in baking, etc. I HAVE simplified to a certain extent: some years I send cards; some years I do not. Some years I put up every decoration I own, and some years I put out only the creche sets(which is all that should really matter to me.) I will always want to more and will always realize at the last minute that I am only human and therefore there is no need to try to do it all. I would rather get together with the people I love the most than DO things or GET things.

The hardest part about Christmas for my family is getting past the sadness of losing our mom at Christmas while trying to handle our sister's simultaneous "nervous breakdown",along wih her suicidal and homicidal threats. I think all of us relive it each year, while she barely remembers that she ever felt that way!

[Alan P.]

Reine, if you can make it to St. Louis, I will set a place for you.

A person to person Happy Holidays doesn't bother me. Its the TV versions. The TV ad with the tree being dragged through the snow is a Christmas ad, no matter what the over voice says. For that matter I'm not a fan of non Jewish Jewish characters on TV. "Friends" might have been the worst ever.

Thumbs up to Warehouse 13. At the end of their Christmas special last week the cast is getting together near a fireplace. On the mantel is the line of Christmas cards. There is a Chanukah card stuck in the mix. A nice touch.

[marie]

Sometimes a pause for a link with nature can calm me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7C78SUXHIM&feature=related

[heather graham]

It's true that Christmas can be a very tough time when we've first lost loved ones. I'm not sure if the statistics on this are right, but it's supposed one of the biggest occasions in the year for suicides and attempted suicides. We're human above all, and we all want love so badly, if we feel we've lost too much of it, we're just in sad shape.

Actors! Hm. I've seen gay play straight, straight play gay, Christians play Jews, Jews play Christians--they are actors, and it depends on whether the actor is good enough! Since I grew up with the Irish, I have cringed at many a very bad Irish accent, and then watched things in which I've heard an American/English/Aussie/Spanish actor do a fantastic job. Sadly on many others, I would just buy them!

[Traci Hall]

It was so great seeing you, Heather, at the holiday party - you seemed to have it totally together!! And my house isn't clean either, and the kids came home early - they didn't care :)

[Debbie Richardson]

Working retail - where we put up our first Christmas tree in September - my joy of the season is a little tough to find. As I get closer to getting all three of my babies at home, a feat that will only get tougher as the twins graduate college this spring, I'm beginning to get there. Better late than never, right.
My stress is just hoping they are happy to be home and that we truly enjoy every moment we have together. I just keep reminding myself how absolutely blessed I am, with great children, an amazing husband, wonderful friends who make me feel loved every day of the year. It's not the presents under the tree that matter. It's the joy all these people bring me that is truly my gift.
Use your stress to give you the sense of urgency you need to get things done. Then sit back, relax and truly enjoy all you have been given.

[lil Gluckstern]

For me, a nice Jewish girl from New York :) it is the season of the child in all of us. The foods, the toys, the beauty of decorations, and the music awaken something very deep. I light my Chanukah candles, remember those who are gone. I'm the child of survivors of the Holocaust, but I long ago decided this was a private place in my heart. So I enjoy the time with friends. My grandchildren have no ambivalence-it's about presents! They're still young. My youngest was on Christmas day. He is a happy child. Nancy's grandson is a hoot. It's a time to enjoy, and meditate-and relish whatever you do. You all sound like you have it well in hand. You do what you do, and if it doesn't get done, ah well.

[gaylin in Vancouver]

Santa Baby - sung by Holly Cole.

[heather graham]

Debbie, I can only imagine retail!

I do love the mix of holidays. One of Bryee's best friend's Dad is Jewish and her mother converted but the rest of her mom's family is Christian. When they were little, the kids wanted one of us to change, so that we could have Christmas and Hanukah the same that Jessica did. I love her house, too. They have a wonderful sense of respecting what everyone believes.

I will go on ITunes and try the Holly Cole version of Santa Baby. Have never heard it!

[Reine]

Alan, you are so dear! As soon as I "win the lottery" and get my accessible van, I'll head to St. Louis!

When I was first-year college student I worked for a Holocaust survivor in his shop near the Farmers Market in Los Angeles. He gave me my only Christmas present that year, a little wooden angel. He was so amazing, and I think of him this time every year with such love and feelings of warmth and light . . . .

[gaylin in Vancouver]

Heather, Holly Cole is a Canadian jazz singer. I was fortunate to see her live 8 or 9 times back in the '80's when she recorded as the Holly Cole Trio. Piano, stand-up bass and her voice, marvelous.

She does a Christmas concert tour every year and I haven't been able to afford to go for awhile. I have one of her Christmas cd's Baby, It's Cold Outside. My favourite of her cd's is called Temptation.

There, that's my Canadian plug of the day.

[heather graham]

They didn't have Holly Cole's Santa Baby, so I'm downloading one of her albums. I always love to find new music, so thanks!

[gaylin in Vancouver]

Holly, on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plK_oVOH0PE

[Laura (in PA)]

I was kind of lucky this year with the decorating. I had a one-day window between getting the tree (we go cut ours down), putting it up, getting out the decorations, and putting out what I could before I had to clear away the boxes for company. So what got done, got done, and what didn't went back down to the basement, and I made the decision to leave it at that. It's fine.

I traded a little stress for a little guilt by deciding not to drive to see my family at some point around the holidays. They live in Syracuse, the driving this time of year can be treacherous (though this year is surprisingly mild, so far), and when I go, I feel the need to see everyone while I'm there. It's very hectic. So I got a few comments from a few of them (the ones, who, of course, have never managed to make the 3.5 hour trip to my house in 17 years) about not coming home, but I'm fine with it.

I guess this is my year of zen. As Linda put it, treat myself as I would treat someone else. I'm liking it.

[Margaret Maron]

Having grown up in the Bible Belt, I'd never heard of Hanukkah. My first holiday season in NY, I kept seeing unfamiliar signs. Finally I asked one of my new Jewish friends, "What's a cha-NOO-ka?" She laughed and very kindly enlightened me as to both the pronunciation and the meaning. 8 days to celebrate instead of 1? Wonderful! I'm sorry if my "Happy Holidays!" offends anyone, but if we were really correct, we'd say "Io Saturnalia!" since that's the original coopted holiday, right?

[heather graham]

Thanks Gay!

We used to have a home in Worcester, Mass, and spent a lot of holidays there. Dennis decided we'd go and cut down our own one year. One by one, the kids wound up back inside by the heater with hot apple cider! We did finally get the tree, but the first and last time we chopped down our own!

[Veronica Cole]

Hi Heather,
Great blog. Merry Christmas.

[Laura (in PA)]

The place we cuts ours makes it easy. You go into the field and find one you want, then summon one of the strapping young men who work there. He comes over with his saw, cuts it down, carries it to the shed, cuts off branches or whatever you request, sends it through the tree tie-er-upper, carries it to your car, and ties it onto the roof. In the meantime, we pay for the tree and eat hot dogs and hot cocoa. It's awesome. Unfortunately, he doesn't come home with us and take it off the car and put it up. More's the pity.

[heather graham]

Haha! That would be too perfect!
Oh, well . . .
It shall come.
Happiest holidays--whatever they may be--to everyone!