It's the Most Wonderful Time...

I love December. Actually, I love from Thanskgiving through January 1st. For some reason, the cold is bearable, almost enjoyable. The snow still looks beautiful, not that annoying blinding white or dingy gray that snow after January 1st seems to have. No, the snow is a cloud of white -- delicious to the eyes.

The sweaters, the scarves, the gloves. They are wonderful for the first month of winter. As is that taste of hot chocolate and the smell of the wood burning in the fireplace. And the chestnuts -- heavenly.

I am lucky to work in New York City and live in New England. I get the best of both worlds at this time. The tree at Rockefeller Center, the ornaments, the lights, the smells of the street vendors (which always seems to smell better during this month than at any time of year). Plus the pure snow on tree-lined streets, the look of a barn at winter, the beach, with the snow mixed with sand and sea and the village green, decorated generously.

My wife and I went to our first holiday party last night. We enjoyed Christmas music and assorted appetizers. There were neighbors and new friends and the smell of gluvine. We laughed and celebrated and we both realized there are much more celebrations to come in the next month.

Oh, how I love this time of year.