Ed and I belong to the minimalist school when it comes to Christmas. Oh, in our early years I insisted on celebrating as my tradition-crazy family had celebrated, but that chapter has long since passed, rather like Ebenezer Scrooge's Christmas Past. Now we put up three trees similar to the one you see here. This year I added a string of white lights around the inside of the front window, just to brighten things up on these long winter nights. And we sing Christmas carols at the piano, my favorites being Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" and "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." We don't do gifts but do send cards. For years we've had ours printed with one of my paintings--or more recently a photo--on the front. Our neighbors, who do holidays in a big way, frequently invite us over for Christmas dinner. Al is even thoughtful enough to make a special vegetarian main dish for me, while the others eat turkey. To be honest, I'm always glad when January comes. I appreciate its quiet, contemplative nature, a time of year that encourages less action and more introspection. Maybe not for skiers, but for me.