Advent in the Old New World

The Weihnachtsmarkt is in full swing, the neighbors are in good spirits, the weather is extraordinarily unlike any December I've experienced (except for a few I prefer to forget) and I'm enjoying it all.  The seasonal depression of years gone by has been defeated (momentarily, I cannot predict the future) and the alcoholic haze that was my home-grown remedy is unnecessary.  When I remember the 'Been Down So Long, It Looks Like Up To Me' days, months, years, I can smile at them at say they were, and I wish that they hadn't been, but there's no denying history until I learn how to use wormholes.....