Because it's later than you think, and there are only so many shopping days 'til Christmas

It's been an interesting holiday season. First off, I've noticed it had been kind of a dark season. I don't know if this is just my experience, but the people that I've encountered have just been joy-less. That these few weeks preceding Christmas are just like any other day. Also, there have been lots of horror movies on TV. What's up with that? Quite a few people have died, like Peter Boyle. It's been kinda of hard to find some holiday cheer. I thought I'd find it, like in Half Moon Bay's holiday festival. But, no. I was expecting to much, clearly. But, is it wrong to expect a little magic in the holidays?

Some good things have happened. Like being really good with my money this month and finally paying off my car! That's right. I own a car. I've paid off my bills and now the only people I owe money to are my grandparents. I also got offered a full time job with SETI and that should start some time in January, possibly February.

I've been running here and there these past few days, buying gifts, visiting people, really getting wrapped up in the throws of the holiday. Hopefully, a spark.... I've attached an email I got from a coworker. Enjoy.

Holiday Eating tips:

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnogaholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it.

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you 're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Happy Christmas!