How time flies . . .

Christmas is almost here. Isn't it still autumn? No. Or time to baste the turkey? No. Didn't we just elect the first black president of the United States? Yes—a year ago. Sentimental carols, endless commercials urging us to buy NOW, countdowns to the last shopping day, ubiquitous (and sometime raggedy) Santas. The scent of pine and spruce. Like Proust's madeleines and hot tea brought back memories of days spent with his aunts, the scent of Christmas trees on a crowded lot brings memories...