Deck Your Halls

Seems like I just got used to writing "09" at work and here we are in the midst of the 2009 Holiday season. This year has been especially trying for many of us who struggle through, "the worst recession since,..." you know the rest. President Barack Obama has his hands full with health care, "his" war(s), the economy, and a Nobel Peace prize to embody through like actions. We were astounded to hear about Michael Jackson's 50 concerts in London to be his final career curtain call. Equally astounding was his death and ever-controversial report of a drug overdose from a cocktail of pain-killers and possible malpractice.

Without attempting a "wrap-up" like Virginia rapper Skills, I'll focus on another missing entity from this December's march towards Christmas and New Years celebrations: THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT.

This past weekend kicked off holiday parties and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Here, at the 2010 tailgate, I enjoyed a rousing night of twerking at Atlanta's ever jumpin Central Station Sports Bar. It had been over a year since I stepped foot in this smoky, slang-stained, and liquor splattered night-spot. No fights, dim lights, and a thick, southern-fried atmosphere set the scene for a delightful trip to my younger days attending winter parties in the A where body-heat replaced leather coats and scarves. I even waited in line! Once inside, my coat, more like wooly a layer of fat, came off and I made my rounds doing "the freak," the wop, and shaking my head to the days passed when music wasn't so vulgar I couldn't find the perfect beat to dance solo. I got home about 6am. And I have to thank my hood ambassador Fly, for serving as the impetus for my unlikely yet, refreshingly funky outing.

Everyday is a holiday... and Winters in the A remind me of the Nike Pavilion and other youthful places of delight.

Flipping the page, I sported a collared shirt and slacks at the Latin themed holiday party of the Jarvii. Lauren and Steve are two of my good friends who never disappoint during holiday seasons. More settled in their Buckhead apartment, seven floors above the shoppers, they pulled out all the culinary stops to serve us with excellent music, great company, and delectable food for their guests!

LBJ's homemade salsa was an instant hit and set the stage for more gourmet treats to emerge from their busy kitchen. The music was on-point. A mix of spicy salsa (no pun intended) music and DJ Jazzy Jeff's definitive guide to house music provided the perfect ambiance to groove. Party planners take note! Music and food can turn a regular party to a festive themed party, adding a splash to your entertaining in future holiday seasons.

The Jarvis event was the perfect fit as the sun set over the emerging Buckhead skyline from their magnificent enclosed sun room balcony.

Togetherness, in its many forms are what I'm speaking on today. While retail reports come in offering meager numbers, job-market stability has us all queasy, and travel plans are thwarted because of budget cuts or inclimate weather, we still find reasons to get together and celebrate the joy of good company. Family and friends may not have time to meet during the busy work weeks; holidays provide some much needed breaks from work and a reason to congregate.

This year, while enjoying your egg nog, look around and bask in your surroundings! You've made it another year and are hopefully around happy friends and family. And if that isn't enough, remember the reason for this season, the celebration of the birth of Jesus - possibly humanity's best friend.

The gift of giving remains a strong theme for many who seek to embody the bright glow of Christmas lights...may this season be a time to celebrate the birth of your friendships... a lasting testament to surviving another twelve month year.