# The end of the holidays - a culture question MMP **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** mmp\ **Created:** [December 27, 2010, 4:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492 "2010-12-27T04:45:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 9
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/161 "2011-01-02T02:53:30Z")
Sorry about the Cornish hens, **Rebo**. I think they’re harder than bigger birds because it’s easier to dry them out. Haven’t made them in ages. Yes on the Honey-Baked thing, **FCM**. Tried spiral-cut ham at the grocery the other day and it was perfectly fine. And much cheaper, I’m sure. I don’t eat much more than deli ham, so I’m not an expert. Watched **Rachel Getting Married** and **500 Days of Summer** this afternoon. Liked them both, although Rachel was a bit darker than I was expecting. Also did some cleaning up and knitting. Am about 1/2 done with the first hand warmer of a set that goes with one of my scarves. Am also thinking that I’ll frog and re-knit the headband that goes with the set. It needs to be shorter and also a bit wider so that it can be folded over. I keep feeling like today is Sunday, so it still feels like I got a bonus day to my weekend. I’m sure that feeling will dissipate as the day progresses tomorrow. I keep feeling like we should be getting ready for a new MMP tonight or tomorrow morning. (Any volunteers for tomorrow night/Monday morning?) Back later… GT ---
**Author:** ![Noone\_Special](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/noone_special/32/2863_2.png) [@Noone\_Special](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noone_Special)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/162 "2011-01-02T08:14:17Z")
I’ll take tomorrow – what with our trip to London and a _very_ action-packed weekend _Chez **Special** _, I have some tellin’ to do! Still busier than a cat with three tails in a room full of rocking chairs… so y’all will just have to wait for the OP! ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/163 "2011-01-02T11:47:38Z")
Good Mornin’ Y’all! Up and caffienatin’. We were both sound asleep by eight-thirty last night. OYKW is still snoozin’. I may decide he needs to take me out to brekkies. I’m all generous that way. 😃 It looks like it rained a bunch through the night and might rain a little bit more this mornin’. Fine by me. I agree on the Honey Baked Ham thing too **MOOOOOOM**. Tasty but not worth the price IMHO. I also agree that I am able to buy ham much cheaper at the grocery sto’ and have it come out all nummy all on my own. Besides I am not a big fan of glazed ham. **Special1** we wait with bated breath (baited if sushi has been consumed) your post. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/164 "2011-01-02T13:31:25Z")
Quiet up in heah! OYKW is in the midst of purtification then we shall go brekkify before deheathenization. Thus endeth the latest update from swampland. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/165 "2011-01-02T13:39:48Z")
Thanks, **SO**! Sounds like fun! Awake. Trying to get inspired enough to get up and caffeinate. Hugs. GT ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/166 "2011-01-02T13:56:30Z")
A bittersweet chore, and the first of many similar events: > [@](#): > > 3 January 2011 > > To the officers and membership of the Cottonfield County Rescue Squad: > > With great regret, I must resign my position as EMT with the rescue squad, effective at the close of the January meeting. > > The engineering services contract I was working on for the Coast Guard was not renewed for political reasons far beyond my control and reach; I’ve known for 18 months this was coming. I’ve not hidden that I’ve been job hunting as a consequence. > > My availability was advertised throughout my company, and as luck would have it, I was a near-perfect fit for a new position working on a Navy contract, and it represents a promotion for me. The downside is that VunderWife and I must now relocate to St. Mary’s County, Maryland. We will most assuredly be gone from Cottonfield County by the close of February. > > Once settled, and following the processes of reciprocity for Maryland, I fully intend resumption of activity as an EMT in a department in St. Mary’s County. > > Our door will be open for any squad member passing through on the way to and from DC and points north. > > I wish the squad and membership well. I’ve had a ball. > /s/ VunderBob, R-53 ETA: except for the usual name changes, that is verbatim to the version I’m submitting tomorrow night. ---
**Author:** ![RedWood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f08c70/32.png) [@RedWood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedWood)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/167 "2011-01-02T14:16:54Z")
my Christmas is pretty secular. I’m not properly Christian, though I have no problem with Yeshua-ben-Joseph, he was a cool guy. Tree goes up after December 1, comes down before January 6 to make room for Mardi Gras decorations 🙂 it’s raining, so I’ll probably take tree down today. ---
**Author:** ![dogbutler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dogbutler/32/428_2.png) [@dogbutler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dogbutler)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/168 "2011-01-02T14:23:53Z")
Morning, I’m up, caffeinated, off to irk. ---
**Author:** ![anyrose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/54ee81/32.png) [@anyrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anyrose)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/169 "2011-01-02T14:59:34Z")
**VBob** - it’s never easy to leave people you’ve grown close to. {{{{{hugz}}}}} ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/170 "2011-01-02T15:01:54Z")
> [@anyrose](#): > > **VBob** - it’s never easy to leave people you’ve grown close to. {{{{{hugz}}}}} Well, I was trying for ‘upbeat’… ---
**Author:** ![scareyfaerie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scareyfaerie/32/3135_2.png) [@scareyfaerie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scareyfaerie)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/171 "2011-01-02T15:10:30Z")
Afternoon, mumpers! I am being slothful on the sofa for a while, I have promised to cook a proper roast dinner for 'im indoors today so I have to make sure my enormous chunk of beef goes in the oven by 5pm so slothfulness will not last for much longer. I’m using my time well, having a Sunday laze and catching up with some letters to friends. And watching Grey’s Anatomy. **BBBobio** , that is a very good letter. Good luck with the move and the new job! I think the lazing process also requires a cup of tea now, I suppose I’ll have to do that myself since I haven’t been able to teach the cats to put the kettle on yet. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/172 "2011-01-02T17:19:21Z")
**BBBobbio** , your letter lacked any reference to your future proximity to me - surely that was an oversight because the depths of your emotions… 😉 Yeah, I’m up and about. In fact, I’ve been to WalMart, unpacked my purchases, de-fleaed the dogs and cats, and, um, probably other stuff I’ve forgotten. Last day of break, alas. I’m mostly feeling better, so there’s that. \*\*FCD \*\*says he’s feeling better, but daughter seems to be getting worse. Enough already with Teh Sick!!! I got a nice chuck roast, so I’m thinking slow-cooker pot roast for tomorrow. I can build it tonight and plug it in before I leave. \*mmmmmmmm \*And I can make delayed-start bread in the machine, too. It’ll be like having a cook! I also got some chickie tits, which I’ll wrap individually and freeze. And I’ve boiled a dozen eggs. I also intend to make sammiches for this week’s lunches, so all I have to do is grab and go in the morning. Good plan, huh? Meanwhile, the Sunday funnies won’t read themselves… 😃 ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/173 "2011-01-02T17:31:18Z")
> [@Savannah](#): > > There’s something melancholy about Christmas as an adult, isn’t there? It’s one time of year that I wish I could be seven or eight again, and re-experience that joy. That’s why I like being around kids at Christmas. I get to see them have that excitement. Christmas and its traditions tends to remind me of my late parents, and the sadness of losing them. I guess I’ve had a pretty smooth transition from the glee of kid-Christmas to the more sedate, loving feelings of grown-up-Christmas/Solstice. For me these days it’s a lot more for the pleasure of seeing family and friends, cocooning and doing nice things for myself and others. One advantage is that since we celebrate Solstice before **Hamish** heads off to see his family in BC about a week before Christmas, I have to get my shopping done before mid-December, so I usually get started in November and the whole thing ends up being a lot less stressful than it might otherwise be. This year was particularly good because my grandmother in Los Angeles turned 90 on Christmas Day, so instead of the usual traditions, **mom\_mcl** and I went down to see her, and I took advantage to spend a week in San Francisco beforehand, celebrating Solstice with the Radical Faeries and Reclaiming – it was really beautiful and meaningful. It meant I missed out on some of the usual stuff like seeing my relatives in Ontario, and the actual gift part was kind of scattered (with **mr\_and\_mrs\_bro\_mcl** after Christmas brunch in early December; with **Hamish** just before flying out; with **mom\_mcl** after getting back home) but that’s okay and I’m thinking of going to see the Ontario fam in spring. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/174 "2011-01-02T18:57:49Z")
Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday, **matt**. I kind of like it when the holiday is spread out because it generally means that I’m seeing friends and family who live far away. **Redwood** : heh. I have a heart-shaped wooden decoration on my front door. It has a Christmas saying on it, but I generally leave it up through February because people who aren’t looking at it up close (and who don’t notice that it’s been up since December) might as well think I’m celebrating Valentine’s Day. I’m sort of sad that my neighbors are all starting to take down their trees. I saw a tree on the curb on Friday already and there were quite a few when we went out for a walk last night. Nice letter, **Bobbio**. Hope everyone starts feeling better, **FCM**. I’m having a lazy day. But brother and I are discussing going for a walk…still deciding where… Hugs. GT ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/175 "2011-01-02T19:46:44Z")
I’s tahred. I just walked from my apartment to Riverside Cemetery, which is _checks Google Maps_ 2.1 miles away, so I walked about 4.5 miles there and back again (I took a different route there than I did back again). While I was there I saw this red…_thing_…next to Thomas Wolfe’s grave. When I regain some energy, I’m going to drive one or both of the Boys down there to see it and get a picture. It is truly a sight. I’m too tahred to catch up on the MMP. I’ll start afresh tomorrow. **rosie’s** sig, everybody! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/176 "2011-01-02T21:02:18Z")
Break time! I hacked the meat off the honey baked bone - 4 containers in the freezer, plus a bag with the bone and some chopped up ham, waiting to be ensouped. 😃 I also wrapped most of the chickie tits for the freezer, but I held 2 out and am currently simmering some chickie noodle soup - no noodles in it yet - gotta cook the carrots first. I also packed my breakfasts and lunches for the week and semi-tidied the kitchen. \*\*FCD \*\*is napping again, and daughter is watching TV when she’s not cleaning up after her idiot dog. It’s still drizzly here - glad I didn’t run my car thru the carwash - it would have been a waste. I’ll go tomorrow after work. The dogs are whining for dinner - can’t they tell it’s not 4:30 yet? Stoopit dogs. I don’t think I wanna go to work tomorrow. Just sayin’… ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/177 "2011-01-02T21:32:11Z")
It is now 4:30 pm EST. Feed the dawgs **MOOOOOOM**! They’re starvin’, poor things! ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/178 "2011-01-02T21:50:27Z")
**swampy** , alas your warning came too late. I waited till 4:31 and they both died of starvation and collapsed into little furry piles of dust before my eyes. Then, oddly enough, they were replaced with exact duplicates who ate, then went outside to pee. It was eerie!!! :eek: Chickie noodle soup is done. Wish I’d made some bread to do with it. Oh well. ---
**Author:** ![VunderBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/839c29/32.png) [@VunderBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VunderBob)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/179 "2011-01-02T22:08:38Z")
How timely: honey baked ham, and feeding the dogs. VWife bought a spiral cut ham from Wally\*World this weekend. I’ll eat them, but there are better hams IMAO. One arm and all, she got it in the oven, got it out and glazed it, and put it back in to finish. I had to go to Lowes, and on the way out she had me pull it out of the oven. It was hot, so I left it on the stovetop. I was in the lumber section when my cell phone rang. “We don’t have an ham! :mad:” “Huh?” “I was in my room, and when I came out, all four dogs were fighting over the bone. You need to re-mop the floor because there’s ham juice and glaze everywhere.” She was mad at me for leaving the ham out, too. :rolleyes: I know four Boxers that aren’t getting _ANY_ supper tonight. ---
**Author:** ![swampbear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampbear/32/467_2.png) [@swampbear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampbear)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492/180 "2011-01-02T23:45:26Z")
And I know four Boxers who won’t care if they don’t get any supper cause they got ham! 😃 Lucky for you **MOOOOOOM** those starved to death piles of dog dust managed to reanimate. I’d just _hate_ to report you to the ASPCA. 😛 ‘Tis a quiet evenin’ of intertoobz veggin’ at da cave. Just what I need before return to irk time tomorrow. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-holidays-a-culture-question-mmp/565492.md?page=10)