Thanks, rabbitrunning. Good suggestions. (I've heard a lot about lutefisk. I think I'm with your grandmother on that one.)

Kim C, it does my heart good to read about your "spa in the mountains with the cute houseboy" fantasy.

M. Ted, I appreciate your response. It makes the season feel a little less isolating when I know that I am not the only one who experiences it this way (not that I would wish it on anyone else).

Re: your demented Christmas music...you should see my Christmas tree. It's about a foot and a half tall. It has a face, and it sings and dances. I string it with chili pepper lights. I'm into demented decorations. (Just can't bear to have a regular Christmas tree in my home.) I think I'll start looking for some demented music as well.

I'm sorry to hear about your wife's losses. And good luck with the situation with your daughter.

Carol