It's that most wonderful time of the year

Yes, gentle readers, once again we can all get going on my favorite season. I've talked elsewhere about how I loathe Christmas. But it's gone again, so we can all get on with our lives. Please take down the dead trees, turn off the blinky lights, and stop playing that insipid music. Break out the ice skates and skis, and rejoice in the much-needed rain and snow. Now that we can stop being distracted by that most annoying of holidays, I officially declare this year's real winter season open!