Quiet

It's remarkable how much of what we commonly understand as the Christmas season seems to slip by you if you're not constantly out in the crush of shoppers. (And not being the sort who's into Christmas trees helps, too.) Especially if, as I do, you live in a place were snow and other common trappings of Winter are somewhat rare. Sure, there are the people who go all-out decorating their homes - there's one of those within walking distance, and a whole cul-de-sac full of them not too far away, but once the novelty of a zillion Christmas lights and inflatable Santas wears off, it's remarkable how easily you can drive right past it without seeming to realize it's there.

And so maybe it's just me, but this year, the holidays are shaping up to be rather quiet, feeling more like a misplaced weekend than a major (somewhat) religious celebration. But, as they say, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself, and so maybe today is a good day to find a way to raise the volume.