For some people “the holidays” has a different meaning. In our family, with so many December birthdays (and there aren’t even as many now as there used to be), “the holidays” includes time set aside specifically to honor those who had the misfortune to be born so close to The Holidays. Suzanne had a family dinner for Mom’s birthday last week, and tonight Eric and Kat had one for both Mom and Suzanne.

It was their first time hosting a family event since they moved into their new place, and they were the essence of grace. That’s saying a lot about the skills of two proud residents of the quirky branch of the family tree. They are so much fun to be around, even separately, but together they are a hoot, and tonight was a blast.

Also: they are very forgiving of some of the noisiest neighbors I’ve heard since— well, since the last time I lived in an apartment, I guess. Which is the reason it was the last time for me, but Eric and Kat seem to take it in stride, as is their way with things. For that they have earned my undying envy. I aspire to be like them.

Last night, shortly after midnight, I finished all the wrapping I intend to do this year. The toyland town under my tree is a little more sparsely populated than it has been in past years, but the tiny tots’ eyes will be all aglow, I’m sure, no matter what’s in those boxes. (Hint: doll, Legos.) Even though there wasn’t much to wrap, it still gives me the same satisfaction to be able to say that it’s done.