Santa Claus is coming to town

For those who might have been worried by my absence, no I wasn't contemplating suicide or anything unfortunate like that. The past week I've been enjoying all the fun and exciting things that the holidays offer: decorating a Christmas tree, baking, buying presents,... and I have to say it's done me a world of good.

Christmas carols are playing in the background while I write this and no matter how blue I get, they still give me a warm and fuzzy feeling and that's a good sign. Not all hope was lost apparently, just misdirected like me.

I've even started reading again people! After Dark by Haruki Murakami (not bad, not bad at all) to gently ease myself into Possession, the book I selected for our book club. I just hope it's good otherwise I might end up being crucified on our first meeting.

Anyway this got me thinking about Christmas stories. One of my favorites is A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote, a nostalgic and almost glowing tale about the enduring friendship between two innocent souls. Maybe not all that festive but it does fill the heart and eyes with fuzzy yet moist feelings.

For those who prefer a more vibrant tale, I suggest Another Night Before Christmas by Carol Ann Duffy. It's a modern illustrated remake of the classic and treasured Night before Christmas by Clement Moore in which we read the story of Santa's comings and goings on Christmas eve. This poem, which was originally published in 1822, didn't only inspire Tim Burton but it is also largely responsible for our conception of Santa Claus, his actions and fury red nosed companions. So if you want to have yourself a merry traditional yet slightly contemporary Christmas, Another Night Before Christmas is the way to go.