My Christmas present to myself each year is to see how much air travel can open up the world and read more

My Christmas present to myself each year is to see how much air travel can open up the world and take me to places as far from sheltered California and Japan as possible.

At Christmas I no more desire a rose,
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled shows;
But read more

At Christmas I no more desire a rose,
Than wish a snow in May's new-fangled shows;
But like of each thing that in season grows.

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a Child read more

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a Child himself.

For little children everywhere
A joyous season still we make;
We bring our precious gifts to them,
read more

For little children everywhere
A joyous season still we make;
We bring our precious gifts to them,
Even for the dear child Jesus' sake.

As I sat on a sunny bank
On Christmas day in the morning
I spied three ships read more

As I sat on a sunny bank
On Christmas day in the morning
I spied three ships come sailing in.

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.

Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if
it is a headache, a chore, and read more

Christmas is for children. But it is for grown-ups too. Even if
it is a headache, a chore, and a nightmare, it is a period of
necessary defrosting of chilled hidebound hearts.

Did you ever notice that life seems to follow certain patterns? Like I noticed that every year around this time, read more

Did you ever notice that life seems to follow certain patterns? Like I noticed that every year around this time, I hear Christmas music.

As many mince pies as you taste at Christmas' so many happy
months will you have.

As many mince pies as you taste at Christmas' so many happy
months will you have.