'Tis the season...

... for gaudy colour schemes like this one.

... for pantos

Never heard the word? Can't imagine attending a theatre performance in which the male lead of a fairy tale is played by a cross-dressing female clad in tight shorts, fishnet stockings and high-heeled boots? And the leading lady is a cross-dressing male, as male as male can be beneath his slightly askew wig, overly painted face, and voluminous costume? Obviously you haven't had the pleasure of taking in a Christmas pantomime, a very British tradition. Originally performed with mime, the modern-day panto combines various types of acting and is intended for the entire family, with the focus on children who are encouraged to take part by booing the "baddie" and cheering the "goodie", although there are plenty of jokes and innuendos to keep the adults entertained too. Slapstick scenes and futile arguments abound, as well as famous names in the leading roles.

This year we took in Peter Pan at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre. We even managed to drag John along.

... for school concerts

What ever happened to tales about Santa Claus, Rudolph and Frosty? We've attended three different school Christmas concerts over the three years we've been living in England and all of them have been centred around the Nativity Scene. This year I realized Kassie was in danger of harboring the belief that Christmas is about the celebration of Christ's birth and nothing else...not generosity, peace, fellow feeling among friends, family and neighbours. Be assured we've set her on the right track. Next year I'll urge her school to do a version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". I know I'll be there with bells on!

... for travelling

We leave for Canada tomorrow for a three-week vacation. Although it's hard to think of it as a vacation when we consider that we'll be sleeping in eight different locations, travelling on three planes, renting two cars, and hitting a total of five cities.

... to wish you all  happy holidays!

Enjoy the holidays! All the best in 2005!