Delightful article, as always. I loved the mention of the last minute skating party and am more and more convinced that the best times can be had with the least complicated planning. That includes church gatherings at this time of year! While living in England, I loved the village caroling parties where everyone interested met at a designated point and we caroled throughout the village. It was wonderful to feel the spirit of the carols as we walked from cottage to cottage, and rewarding to see the joy on the faces of those we sang to. And again, in England, several villages would meet for a big caroling night at a nearby college, and never have I heard such glorious, heartfelt singing! It did not require much planning, and no one cared what religion you embraced or which country you called home. It was a joyful gathering to celebrate the birth of our Savior...simple and powerful. Those Christmas memories warm my heart all these years later, despite the miniscule effort to organize the activities behind them.