Ah, yes, I like the lights too. Me and my parents used to drive around various neighborhoods just to see all the houses lit up. And I liked decorating the Christmas tree, although I fully understand why my parents started putting lights on the potted ficus once I stopped believing in Santa--those needles can be a real pain to sweep up.

I'm curious about your delicious vegan eggnog recipe! I have some vegan friends who might enjoy it.

I feel very lucky that my family has never demanded anyone put on an excessive Christmas party. You buy a gift you can afford for the people who seem likely to show up, and the host makes sure there's enough ham and macaroni-and-cheese for everyone, and plenty of liquor (if you don't like what the host drinks, you bring your own). Then everyone just drinks and plays board games, or possibly we make fun of old scifi movies.

Ugh, you've reminded me that I haven't even started to think about presents, and I've only got three weeks. My parents have everything already! And who on earth knows what my grandmother wants?