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Show Holiday Extravaganza Spicy puddings cook on the hearth of an open fire, casting off a permeating per-meating spice of butterscotch but-terscotch and ginger. Fresh, warm pastries, irresistably sprinkled with wrinkled raisins, cast off delicate scents and glazy shine. Small, tenacious fingertips slowly creep across the counter top, grasping a spicy cinnamon roll, and they are drawn with lightning quickness from our sight. Gradually, another smell melts into the potpouri of scented wonders. A freshly cooked ham roast is lifted gently from the hickory spit over the fire, steaming its essence to the world. Hungry men and children's mouths water to the tantalizing tartness tart-ness of cranberry sauce with a touch of orange peel sprinkled in for a tinge of extra flavor. There is one overriding over-riding pungence. It is the fresh clean scent of the pine tree in the large and spacious living room. Its cool, crisp aura lays gently all around ar-ound the room; on the wooden floor, in the corner cor-ner by the hearth where the two youths snuggled close in each others arms by the crackling orange and red fire. The fire casts a glow on the satiny ribbons and wrapping paper of the Christmas morning delights under the tree. And yet, the warmest part of the room is the small china Nativity scene on the rough oak mantle. They reflect a holy glow throughout the room. The winter winds seem to lose their intensity on this holy night. After all, it would be a shame to spoil a family party like this one, wouldn't it? It is the season for love. -Wesley Voss |