I hate Xmas, but the kids celebrate it, so I can't happily retreat to an evergreen-free home and surround myself with everyday comforts like I do when alone. I broke down the other day and took the little beasties to the local Ames store for a tree and decorations. They wound up picking this little thing that looks pretty normal until you turn it on; then it begins to shimmer at the needletips. Yes, it's a fiber optic tree. With a fibrously glowing angel at the top. If the kids can manage to get their homework done before bedtime some night, we'll put the decorations on. It'll look a bit like a hooker, with garlands of red and blue tinged with rainbow edges, and small aluminum-looking snowflakes and stars.

Nobody celebrates Kwanzaa down here in Redburbia. I just made that up - it's a combination of Suburbia and the Gus' Redneckistan. Anyway, nobody does Kwanzaa, and that sucks. 

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