That is why when I stood up at seven o’clock that evening, I eyed the electric fireplace and wondered if its simulacrum of fire, the flickering orange and red flames, glow of burning logs, and crackle ...

Let me be frank: I adore my family. I love the holidays and look forward to baking cookies, watching cheesy movies, and opening gifts with my relatives, but even I get a little (okay very) on edge ...