Christmas time is here again.

A snow-covered ground plays host to feet rushing off to buy last minute presents while cookies bake in ovens and egg nog sits in frothy glasses. Santas on every corner, misletoe in every doorway, garland on every rail, bulbs on every tree, gifts hidden away in every closet. Children counting down the days, mothers reading stories, fathers wrapping presents, dogs and cats playing happily by the tree. Is it I and I alone who walks with a heart of lead and nary a thought of yultide joy?