I've never sprung for a Honey Baked ham, although I'm told they're good. The closest available is 60 miles or so away, but I got on their website and it looks like they are all "bone-in" although you can also buy halves. If they have a bone, you'll definitely need two. Here deli ham is mostly what LindaC described, salty and watery pieces of some kind of smoky flavored stuff. I have a sneaking suspicion, though, that if I went to Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor and to a higher end grocery, I'd probably get much better stuff. Grandma used to bake a ham with root beer. We thought it was a great treat, although truthfully, it didn't taste like root beer at all, it still just tasted like ham. I'm guessing that the soft drinks mostly add the sweet note to the salty ham, and not the flavor of the soft drink itself. Annie

I don't do much on the actual day, but usually attend one or two Christmas Eve services. Several years ago I cut back substantially on sending cards to a fairly large number, but send to a number of family and friends, including a message to update them on my activities. I've cut back substantially on giving gifts to non-close folks also, and have increased contributions to charities instead. Support for charitable and religious causes, plus political contributions produce some income tax credits and last year they enabled me to reduce my federal tax to zero, and my provincial tax to about $700. Many of my friends are older and considering cutting back on their possessions to prepare for moving from a house to an apt. ... when one is past 80 - who needs more "stuff"? Sometimes have dinner with son or a friend. This year, hauled 7' tree from garage to son's apt (part of his Mom's estate), as his lady friend wanted to be rather festive and they erected it at her house. Son reported that they found a mouse nest or two in it - don't think that they're still there. We had substantial Christmas dinner last Sunday, as daughter was up from AZ and we helped make it, but son's lady did most of the preparation. We exchanged a few presents after the dinner, mostly utilitarian things: clothing, storage containers, candy, etc. and daughter gave me auto club membership for next year (that was what got me a free tow 120 miles from TO when my radiator spring a leak, back in July): she'd bought my original membership for me, about 4 years ago. I'd hinted for a potato peeler with the floating blade (didn't get one) ... and for something else, too ... but I can't remember what, at the moment. I realized later that I should have hinted for a kitchen timer, as well (one purpose of which would be to set when I turn the radio off when a progrqam that I don't like much comes on ... for usually there's one just after it that I like, and I forget to turn the radio back on before it's at least half over). Life does have its problems, doesn't it? ole joyful

I've found them to do better in plastic, but I grow indoors only. That MAY be a factor. Clay may help keep the roots cooler (outdoors), but since this plants are not for full sun (more partly shaded or bright, indirect light), that may not matter. Am curious what others will suggest, interesting question.

I'm not worried about people leaving when the piano stops and the party won't end then. We have an audiophile dream stereo system and DH will be creating a special party playlist of his favorites. I just want to time the pianist so that those who want to listen (including DH) will be able to hear him and not be in another area for dinner or have it so loud that they can't hear. I think at the beginning for a couple hours is an excellent idea. Since I have quite a few people coming from out of town and out of state, I decided to start the party earlier than later so they can make the most of their visit. These are close friends and family who I'm pretty sure will want to spend more, not less time together. My greater concern is that the older we get the earlier we seem to have to get to bed so we have to start partying early! We used to go out at 9pm - now we're going to bed at 9. Time will tell how it all works out.