First, let me say, “Happy New Year!” I suppose by now you’ve figured out that I took a little time off after Christmas, and it appears I’ve returned not a minute too soon.

Despite all the griping, I like the holidays and am always a little let down this time of year. Of course, I’ve railed against the commercial overkill, and in the years of my railings, “overkill” has become an understatement. However, I kind of like parts of the season, such as eating too much and not working as hard. The season should start later and last longer, in my opinion. I like the 12-days-of-Christmas model, myself. The Gulf Coast has a good idea, too: the holidays don’t really end until midnight, Mardi Gras. Anyway, Happy Holidays!