Here is a beautiful project, Significant Objects,  that auctions off items of no value for big money.  Their latest update on phase II:  "Just a quick note to observe the completion of the first auction of Significant Objects Volume 2, which actually happened on Tuesday: The Rabbit Candle + Story by Neil LaBute, went for $112.50 (original price $3). An auspicious beginning!"

It is so clear that the story we tell ourselves about objects that leads to desire, trumps most everything.

On the other extreme we have the 7 Japanese aesthetic principles to change your thinking that may help as an antidote to holiday excesses.

Our mania at holiday time is not restricted to "things", but also reaches into relationships and our way in the world with family.  Kurt Vonnegut provides sage advice about the drama in our lives (or lack thereof) and it is illustrated beautifully here by Derek Sivers.

And finally if you want some high quality drama in the new year, please do not forget about the Metropolitan Opera performances in LaCrosse via HD video theater.  The details below are from a LaCrosse Trib article.

What: "The Met: Live in HD" schedule at Marcus Cinema in La Crosse
When: Noon start for Saturday live telecasts; 6:30 p.m. start for Wednesday performances
Tickets: $22; $20 for senior citizens and $15 for children; go to the Marcus Cinema box office or go to www.marcustheatres.com

Dec. 19: "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" (encore Jan. 6)
Jan. 9: "Der Rosenkavalier" (encore Jan. 27)
Jan. 16: "Carmen" (encore Feb. 3)
Feb. 6: "Simon Boccanegra" (encore Feb. 24)
March 27: "Hamlet" (encore April 14)
May 1: "Armida" (encore May 19)

Happy Holidays all...