In a little cottage overlooking the sprawling metropolis, we opened gifts.

Melissa’s mom went first.

She’s quite like her daughter: all gifts of jewelry are welcome. (Melissa bought her a pinkie ring from a local antiques shop. I told her now she’s free to be in the Mafia because all the wise guys have pinkie rings).

One of Mary’s gifts to me (in addition to many color pairs of socks she knitted) was this lovely Detroit Tigers ballcap, which I can wear with the smug reassurance of a Cards fan whose boys crushed ’em in last fall’s World Series .

Melissa greatly appreciates a DVD full of M.A.S.H. reruns from the show’s first season.

My dad & stepmom sent this way-cool lighthouse from their wintering grounds in Florida.

Now there’s nothing to do but appreciate all of our Christmas gifts.