Christmas Nought Nine; or, Some Thoughts on the Observance of Our Savior's Nativity in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Nine

In personal terms, this was a much better Christmas this last year's. I was unappreciative of the gifts given me last year, and so disgusted with myself for it that I resolved not to accept any this year. I failed in my resolution but the gifts were, with one exception, little more than tokens, nor excessive in quantity. And I value every last one of them. (The exception is an overly generous one from my parents, wholly unlooked-for, and requiring me to make a decision I’ve been putting happily off for some time. But it would be churlish of me to decline. Still, part of me wishes it hadn’t been offered as a Christmas gift.)