Fade to black

CHRISTMAS day 2008 was just as sorry as the past 28 had been. I had good intentions to stay sociable with my family, to not piss and moan and sulk that I hadn't gotten any gifts, and endure watching my sisters enjoying their Christmas holiday with their husbands and kids while I remained single and alone. This year was even more of a challenge because I had just put my beloved dog Belvedere to sleep in November, due to cancer. Good intentions often fail, and mine failed miserably. I behaved like a sloth, sharing in every toast of wine, sneaking to my room for a swig--or four--of vodka every half hour, and offending everyone by slurring my words and passing out before the end of dinner.