It’s the Most Merry Mini Holiday of the Year!

This isn’t one of those holiday letters telling you about what I did this year. If it were it would read much like this:

Dear Friends,

This year I binge-watched every seasons of Law and Order. Joined a wine club; they deliver. Gained twelve pounds and cleaned out my garage twice.  And that once in a lifetime trip was cancelled. Happy Holidays.

In many ways this holiday season is a mini one. No crowds, no parties for hosting. No city sidewalks, busy sideways. But things are dressed up in holiday style! Thank goodness for holiday décor. I don’t know what I’d do if we didn’t have festive lights in the neighborhood to ooh and ahh over.

I look forward to walking with Molly in the evenings enjoying my neighborhood decked out with bright lights, snowmen, and reindeer of unusual size. It means much more now; it gives me hope.

I started an a cappella caroling quartet in 1994, The Mistletones, which evolved into a vocal jazz quartet during the year, Party of 4, celebrating the harmonies of the great vocal groups from every era.

It’s odd not to have any caroling gigs this year. It’s been a tradition starting off the holiday season caroling our way all over town. Baby it’s cold outside this year. Alas, we won’t be freezing poolside in the chilly night air. Or singing next to a real reindeer. In a ballroom so loud that you can’t hear the others singing their part. To hear ourselves we employed a technique called ‘circling the wagons’ where we’d come in close to one another, like cowboys huddled around a campfire to stay warm, (except no farting - Mel Brooks fans unite!).

I’ve started a new tradition, with the help of my friend Ed Kornhauser, the Merry Mini-Concerts. It was fun dressing up the house. Giving a bit of holiday cheer, to all of you, but also to myself. I feel joy singing a carol or two. It gives me hope and strength that I can hold tight though this season without feeling like I have coal in my stocking.

Much love to you and yours,

Lillian and Molly