Fantastic idea, Ivan. Thanks for initiating this. I have just sent my Christmas letter to Peter, Andrew and Alex (is he still reading?), but I wish the entire OST community a Merry Christmas. Chicago is looking very Christmassy (in that there is about 6 inches of snow on the ground with bitterly cold temps keeping it in place), which only happens about 50% of the time.

Andrew, I appreciate your comments about Epiphany. We have been celebrating Advent (although our church only does half-heartedly, and that due to our own influence), and in light of your comments we make a special effort of celebrating Epiphany. We have been quite successful in separating ourselves from the consumerist mindset about Christmas, and this causes some interesting intra- and extra-family issues.

Heidi and I wish you all the best this holiday season. Let our focus be on the bright Light shining in an often incredibly and wickedly dark place(s).