Today, I'm grateful that the holidays are over. I'm glad we have
celebrations and time out and especially time to reflect on the
old year, and make plans for the new year, but, truth be told,
I typically dread the upcoming holiday season as it approaches.
The onslaught of advertising, the incessant "caroling" in each
and every store, the endless stream of movies that almost always
have a magical and happy ending - it gets to be a bit too much
for me. Not living the Norman Rockwell life may have something
to do with it.

Anyway, I don't want to "go negative," but I truly am grateful
that the holidays are over.