The Christmas tree is still standing in the spot we so diligently picked out only a few weeks ago. It is a bit worn for wear, as the ornaments seem to cling to the branches less and less with each day. Soon they, too, will be returned to the empty boxes, along with the other decorations, ready to be stored in the attic until we again drag them out next year to begin the process once again.

The holiday season is the time of year when people who would not normally speak to strangers greet their fellow…