I don’t have a ton of info on Robert Burns, but I do know that he wrote Auld Lang Syne (probably just the words, not the music), and that’s quite a legacy. Just about everybody recognizes the song when it’s played or sung on New Year’s Eve. I suppose it’s appropriate to sing it on Burns Night, too, so there you have one of your activities all set for you.

Of course you’ll eat, too, but the traditional food served on Burns night might give you pause. I understand haggis is a staple of the Burns Night meal, and I have it on good authority (Rhonda Nelson) that it may not be what you want to consume. There’s innards involved, if you get my drift. But if you cast around, you might find some Scottish dishes that appeal to you.

And if you don’t, then just drink. Whiskey is always appropriate on Burns Night. In fact, I’ll bet you can even find a T-shirt that says “Tonight I drink for Scotland” on it and then you’ll truly be in the spirit of the occasion. Or you can decide to go for the haggis, after all. Maybe it’s not so bad if you drink enough whiskey with it. Personally, after finding out what it’s made from, I’m not eager.

So how about it? Are you up for Burns Night? Maybe even haggis? Speaking of that, what was the most disgusting thing you ever ate in your life?

On this Christmas Day at my house, following a long family tradition that goes back at least three generations, presents will be opened this morning. It’s The Rule. The tree gets decorated on Christmas Eve, and then, only then, can the gifts be arranged beneath it. Not a single one can be touched until the next morning when the fire is lit and the Christmas music is playing.

Yeah, I love it like that. I’m a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas, and I’m allowed to be, which makes me very lucky. I think about all those who have similar traditions handed down from generation to generation and who treasure those rituals as much as I treasure mine. But they’re employed as a nurse, or a firefighter, or a cop, or a soldier on patrol.

So as I watch my daughter unwrap the special present I found for her months ago and snap a picture of her happy smile, I bless those who are hard at work during the holidays. As I sip cocoa by the fire and gaze at the sparkling tree, I’m aware that the moment is made possible by all those who aren’t celebrating Christmas this morning or couldn’t enjoy Christmas Eve with family because they’re busy tending to the jobs that must be done, no matter what day it is.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Whenever and wherever you’re finally able to enjoy the holiday, have a very Merry Christmas!