Mamacita says:  She looks pretty good to be 32 years old and full of superglue, doesn’t she.

A few years ago, I thought I would try something new, so I put a twinkly-lights-covered star on top of my tree. It was beautiful, but after a few days, I took it down and hung it from the bannister, down into the landing, and put Fifi back in her rightful place.

Beauty isn’t enough. It never is.

Fifi is supposed to perch on the top of the tree by jamming the tiptop of the tree into the hole underneath her skirt, but I only tried once. It just didn’t feel right to be doing that. I mean, look at that face; I just couldn’t do that. Let’s not go there, okay? Is that a siren I hear?

So now I tie her to the tree with fishing line. Why that makes me feel better, I’m not sure, because one is almost as pervy as the other, but even so.

We found Fifi at a Hallmark store that is no longer there, well after our first married Christmas, for less than half price, which, back then, was just a couple of bucks. I’ve since tried to find other Fifis on Ebay, because it’s the only thing on our tree that my children actually want, but only an idiot would pay that much. Apparently, I’ve got a rarity. Who knew?

Fifi was named by my daughter, who wanted to give our tree-top angel “the most beautiful name in the world.”  And so it is.

We’ve been without any cookies in this house for almost a week, which is not like me at all. I’ve got several hours between classes today, though, so guess what. . . .

I’ve spent this afternoon mostly in the kitchen, baking. I’m not artistic, but I am colorful.

Come over, and stay a while. We’ve got lots of cookies and other goodies. Nobody leaves my house hungry.

Dear internet friends, friends who are as dear to me as any friend I’ve actually seen, I hope all of you are happy tonight. I hope your families are together, and everyone is speaking, and that love is ever a part of all your lives, tonight and always.

And, if I may, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

I’ll be saying that several more times until the actual day, you know. I’m a big believer in wishing others well at all times of the year. Those whose belief systems can’t handle being wished well by someone of a different “persuasion” need to memorize the following statement: “Thank you.”

That’s the proper response to someone’s well-wishes. Not an indignant “I DO NOT CELEBRATE OR BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS AND I’LL THANK YOU NOT TO IMPOSE YOUR BELIEFS ON ME.” No, indignation is not a proper response at all when someone wishes you well.

It’s a simple response, really. “Thank you.” Why is that so hard for some people?

Merry Christmas. “Thank you.”

Happy Hannukah. “Thank you.”

Joyous Solstice. “Thank you.”

Fruitful Kwanzaa. “Thank you.”

Season’s Greetings. “Thank you.

Gleeful Winter Faery und Elfin Tide. “Thank you.”

The gods be with you. “Thank you.”

Pagan good wishes. “Thank you.”

Earth Goddess Tidings. “Thank you.”

See how easy it is? Memorize that response, oh indignant ones, and life just might flow somewhat more easily for you.  You’ll be perceived as having class, too.  Therefore, suck in your retort and use the good manners your mother tried to teach you.  Of course, if your mother is the one who taught you to throw someone’s good wishes back into his or her face and insult them, then your mother is a (insert choice noun here.)

Thank you.