The shortest day of the year has just passed us by—and we didn’t have to be awake long to see the daylight portion of it pass. Up at the crack of dawn means about 11:00 AM. And you’d have to be sick to go to bed at sunset (about 2:45 PM). It’s been a little cool up here this week. It was -36 F a couple of days ago on my drive in—crispy cold. But we’ve been keeping busy and warm, looking forward to the holiday break as everyone else has. Today we begin creeping upward in day length (a whole minute!). The sun is skimming low across the southern horizon, and it looks like a Christmas card outside with the snow sparkling in the tree branches.

Cooking is of course an important seasonal indoor sport. For holiday potluck parties we cooked up Rudolph (caribou). I brought Curried Rudolph to the Museum party, and Rose brought a tasty Rudolph Mole (moh-lay; it’s a Mexican dish) to her office party. I’m not sure if it’s just a seasonal thing or what, but every scrap was eaten both times. Apparently Rudolph is popular this time of year. I’ve been working on perfecting the “meat cookie.” I like mine made with moose and just a little salt and pepper on a bun with horseradish, mustard, onion, and salsa. Festive, tasty, and appropriate for every occasion.

Gift giving is always a challenge at this time of year. My year’s best was nearly a screwup of colossal proportions. Earlier this year I read a truly hilarious book entitled “You Are Worthless.” Every morning over coffee it would make me laugh uproariously. I had to get one for my sister Katy, whom I knew would enjoy it as much as me (it’s a twisted sense of humor that a few of us share). Her copy arrived and waited for me to finally get it into the mail with a card. As it sat there waiting, I learned that Katy had lost her job. She was not at all unhappy about getting out of that situation, which had become untenable. But how can a loving brother send a book with a title like that at a time like this? In a U.S. Postal Service Flat Rate box. It really is a funny book.

We’ll keep on finding interesting things to do as the days begin to grow longer. We hope you enjoy the season as well.