Every Who down in Who-ville liked Christmas a lot….But the Grinch, who lived just north of Who-ville, Did NOT! –Dr. Seuss

And so it begins:  The annual count down to the holiday of holidays.  The culmination of a year’s worth of dreaming and wishing and wrapping and shopping.  ‘Tis the season; for mulled wine and candlelight, for friends and family gathered around the table, for twinkling lights and wishes for days merry and bright.  Straining stomachs stuffed with goodies, children with velvety, chocolate-sugared lips, rosy cheeks and yuletide and God rest ye merry gentleman.  Fa la la la la.  La la la la.

Unless you are me, in which case the holiday season feels like one, big ball of anxiety tied up in sting and a mess of tangled tree lights.  Packages that need collecting, meals planned, grab bags stuffed, gifts to be wrapped, cards sent, chestnuts roasted and all…