Tis the Season...to Not (R)

[Peg Herring]

It's time to share what I hate about the Christmas season, and I make no excuses for it.

I hate decorating. In late fall my friends and acquaintances start talking about "doing" the house, some with anticipation, some with resignation. I refuse. I don't like the clutter, I don't enjoy the disruption, and I see no reason to turn my house into a wannabe Wal-Mart.

I realize this might put me in the grinch category, but otherwise I do okay. I arrange and conduct a huge Christmas concert for my town every year. I support causes and caring during holiday drives. I work to find just the right present for everyone on my list. I even enjoy the holiday decorations put up by businesses, municipalities and ambitious homeowners. I just don't like decorating my own house.

That's one cool thing about being a writer: I can say "I don't have time to decorate. I have a deadline." And everyone tiptoes away.

[B.R.Stateham]

Peg--I don't mind telling anyone who ask that "Yes, I am the Grinch" just as I turn up the volume on the Rolling Stones 'Sympathy for the Devil.'