Top 10 Christmas Faves

Mom's Nativity

10.  Buy presents for family and friends, meditating on what will bring surprise and delight. Eschew sensible socks or underwear.   Be sure to check out the holiday bazaars.

9.  Order poinsettia and a wreath for the door.

8.  Decorate the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving if family members are not sick. (Only put up outside lights if you don't need to stand on a ladder.)  Be careful with the nativity scene.

7.  Sing Christmas carols at the nursing homes, preferably with a group.

6.  Bake cookies and assemble care packages.  Mail early.  Ditto Christmas cards.

5.  Take a tag from the Angel Tree and shop for a gift for a prisoner's child.  Or a foster child.  Donate coats and blankets for the homeless. 

4.  Take in special holiday events, such as the musical "Scrooge," or the symphony's Christmas show.  Maybe even the Nutcracker, once again.

3.   Buy a new Christmas book, in case some children show up.

2.   Light the candles on the Advent wreath.  Open the tiny doors on the Advent calendar.

1.   Christmas music every day and "Silent Night" on Christmas Eve.