In case I forgot to mention it, I’m AWOL until Jan. 3 (thank you,

use-it-or-lose-it vacation policy), so don’t be expecting much in the

way of blogging until then. That said, I’d like to wish everyone a

happy and peaceful instance of whatever version of the winter solstice festival you most revere:

Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Wintereenmas, Festival of Yule, Dong Zhi,

Life Day, Festivus, Yalda, Saturnalia, HumanLight, Chrismukkah,

Giftmas, Newtonmas/Gravmas, Boxing Day, Karachun, or the classic

Persian/Zoroastrian winter solstice feast, whence came all others.

Whatever your day, whatever your beliefs, I hope fate and fortune find

you in the presence and comfort of those you hold dear, and that joy

and generosity mark the occasion for both you and yours.

Thusly, with all sincerity, happy holidays.