I hope smirnoff's absence is on account of him being a great host to his family.
It was.
It was really nice having them come here this Christmas and being able to avoid the whole riggamarole of visiting various extended family members, and preparing a huge dinner, and just driving all over the place. We're all pretty sick of that stuff. It was just the three of us, and it was no trouble at all. Good food and drink, gift giving and everythiing else. One of the most layed back Christmases I've ever had, and also one of the best.
And Merry Christmas to you, Sandy