With the warm weather we had in November it was hard to get into the holiday spirit. It began for us after visiting Malcolm House, the Quaker homestead in the Jericho Preserve. It wasn't the decorations, although they were great to see and offered lots of ideas for places to tuck in holiday décor. What made the season begin for us was when John Schleef of Gold Coast Landscapers wished us Merry Christmas. What magic those words hold.

The little sprinkling of snow we had Saturday night made Sunday magical too. The season got a great start with the Polar Express exhibit at the Oyster Bay Railroad Station. John Specce, Ben Jankowski, Dave Morrison, Gary Farkash and Adam Phillips worked to create the miniature train set up. It is right at eye level for little kids. It was great to see the children standing in awe as the trains went by in the little village setup. And, the guys let the children turn the trains on and off, much to their delight.

On Sunday afternoon Marge and Fritz Coudert hosted their annual holiday party for the Doubleday Babcock Senior Center. It was a delight too. That evening residents of East Norwich were out lighting the Christmas trees with the help of Nassau County Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs.

So it is all officially time to enjoy the holidays! Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and even Happy New Year's sound just right to say now.

- DFK