With just two days remaining until Christmas morning, the frantic tone of crowds is ramped up, and the streets and highways fill with fast cars.  Me, I’m at the Internet buying last-minute gifts.  I haven’t been in a single store.

I will say that the holiday cheer seems more evident than in previous years.  Folks who celebrate for religious reasons provide the necessary backdrop, and then many others I have met from Chinese, Indian, and Jewish backgrounds add the right elements of: Hey, is this a celebration of peace and love?  It is?  Well, then let’s celebrate.

In terms of food, we’re talking a probable duck, as has been noted, and perhaps a leg of lamb or beef that will be braised.  I think.

There’s still time: Press send.