A few years back a clever friend made herself a Solstice calendar along the Advent calendar model - wee doors that opened to reveal surprises. I've thought since then it would be fun to devise something similar, but I never remember until it's too far into the holidays to *do* it.

I adore the trappings of the season, whatever they may be. Having lost the faith of my childhood, I decided I didn't want to lose the joy, so I opted to celebrate *everything.* There will be evergreens on my mantel, and bayberry candles and stockings, and if the spirit strikes me I may even stop by midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.