For some folks, December is insufferable, a month packed with blinking, twinkling reminders of just how commercially focused, environmentally callous, and falsely cheerful this country can get. But I'll admit it — I love every last bit of Christmas crap. Giant, light-up flakes covering Market Street lampposts in October? Let it snow. Christmas tree lots setting up shop in November? Yes, please. I grew up in a house full of wood-carved Santas, hand-sewn stockings, and every variation of Christmas CD. The crazier the season... More >>>