Christmas

In spite of the toxic cloud of the economy, christmas is thundering along. For us it's about getting presents and clothes and ourselves down to Georgia via Delta, Fed Ex and whatever else moves people, equipment and presents.
Last night was the Museum Christmas party which I avoided in order to go to the John Murray Christmas party which I always prefer. Although I am on record as not liking parties unless, of course, I am giving them, this is one that I really enjoy. The lobby is overflowing with poinsettas, a large Christmas tree and several oversize balsam wreaths. There was a musician playing a steel drum, drinks, nibbles, wonderful egg rolls made by the Philippino housekeeper down the hall and Santa Claus played by the day doorman. It was all well staged with what I would describe as a non-clown clown giving out balloons and people from all over the buidling stopping by for a drink or a quick chat. There are so many children living in the building now and most of them are 3,4 and 5 year old little boys who scream at the top of their lungs and careen through the lobby. Kate is now an old lady in this group but she still hangs on and insists on a stocking and sitting on Santa's lap.

She came upstairs last night lamenting the lack of faith among the kids. "Did you know that all the kids know that Santa is really Joe the doorman? I didn't know that for a long time."

"Well," I said, wasn't it more fun when you beleived in Santa?

Oh, yes.