Things not to do on a Christmas Eve...

...but quite enjoyable nevertheless. Sort of. Depends.

• Let the Mouton-Cadet breathe for too long or not enough.
• Not put enough garlic in the gratin dauphinois. Three cloves are not enough. About gratin, it's amazing to see so many recipes with cheese, and even without garlic.
• Miss getting a beer at the Manhattan bar while listening to XTC and the church bells at midnight.
  
• Finish Craig Thompson's "Blankets".
• Realize that you bursted when you recognized the Cure reference, and your whole teenagehood in your face for 17 seconds.
  
• Remember about Chunky Rice and Italy.
• Remember about Wim Wender's "Wings of Paradise". (OK, yes, you just rented again three days ago after almost 15 years, but. More about that later).
  
• Remember about the fellow seekers who disappeared along the road.
• Catch a cold.

So I didn't see any reindeer, nor possums, but it was still a very nice evening. Now, plug the common greetings.