As a born and raised midwesterner, I’ve always had a hard time getting in the holiday spirit at Thacher.  After all, with no snow and limited (truly) cold weather in general, there is very little at Thacher in December that reminds me of the holidays.  Last night, however, that feeling was changed.  It all happened at open house at the Mullys’, where I made Christmas cookies, watched Elf and danced to Christmas music for a solid three hours.  Even Santa (one of the college counseling faculty) made a brief appearance!  In general, it really got me into the holiday spirit; seeing all of my friends in their tackiest Christmas sweaters and santa hats finally made Southern California feel like it was Christmastime.