i'm getting older, now, and gifts are less of a thing, but i still have some matronly family members who insist on it, and i've told them for the past few years all i want are smoked meats and cheeses. it's a luxury food i wouldn't normally spend money on, and it's a wonderful treat.

and then, there are the parties. i bake cookies, more than my wife and i can possibly eat, and with a bounty of meats and cheeses and exotic mustards and crackers and cookies and liquor and everyone getting together... i just love sharing in revelry.

i know some people have a hard time during this season. i just hope you have something to enjoy and someone to enjoy it with.