The simple pleasures of life

There's no doubt the holiday season in recent years has become more and more materialistic.  As was proved to The Grinch, "maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store.  Maybe Christmas means a little bit more."  Even if you don't follow a religion, the holiday season is a time to be with friends and loved ones, to reflect on the year past, and to share warm wishes and festive thoughts with people in general.  I've found that the best moments don't come while unwrapping boxes, but from the little things that don't have to be bought.  Here's a partial list of some of my favorites.

• New socks, especially nice thick wool ones.  This is the ultimate and the first thing that comes to mind.
  
• A quiet moment with someone special
• Getting together with old friends
• Doggy or kitty lovins
• Puppy skunk breath and needle teeth
• A child's laugh
• The first glass of egg nog of the holiday season 
• Watching someone open a present from you