Christmas-related events have prevented me from doing much blogging this week. A whirlwind book-buying extravaganza at Brookline Booksmith for all my nephews and friends kept me busy yesterday morning. A tree-trimming party with my young friends (ages 11 and 13) yesterday afternoon made my spirits bright. We had a blast--designing the tree, struggling with the lights, drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows, munching on the most decadent chocolate cookies, playing the Christmas music they requested (I collect Christmas CDs). I have so much fun with these two, I hate to see them grow up!