WELL, WE HAD A GREAT THANKSGIVING: The food was great — the lamb and turkey turned out especially well, and all the side dishes, brought by various family members, were probably the best we’ve ever had. It was great to hang out, and everyone helped with the washing-up. Now it’s over, and I feel like a zeppelin. But a happy one.

I like Thanksgiving; when I was a kid it seemed like a pale imitation of Christmas, without all the presents. Now it seems like a purer version of Christmas, where the focus is on family instead of . . . all the presents.