ABOUT TOWN: Holiday Gratuity Doesn't Have to Cost a Lot

Everyone in the service industry appreciates a little something extra at the holidays, especially since there are plenty of people who don't remember Christmas gratuity. Your regular manicurist, hair stylist, lawn and pool specialists, housekeeper, newspaper delivery people and sanitation team are all people who take care of you during the year, ask how your children are with genuine interest, listen to your stories, your tales of woe, yet rarely talk about themselves. They just do their jobs.

Certainly not everyone is in a position to remember all service people monetarily. But there are small ways to remember some that make a big impression.

Bake a batch of your famous oatmeal-chocolate-chip cookies and tie them up in cellophane and a pretty ribbon.  on Westwood Avenue always has some nifty, inexpensive cookie cutters and cookie tins to add a little panache. Or….the Westwood  has some nice "Under $10" options in its holiday section, like "S'mores Kits" in a cute red felt bag, or you could find a pretty glass ornament at , also on Westwood Avenue, a beautiful gift for anyone.

Have a favorite restaurant? Pop in with a box of chocolates for the team to share.

There are plenty of articles and guides to tell you how precisely how much to tip, and I saw "pshaw" to that. There is no etiquette you need abide from any book with hard and fast rules. The only etiquette you need mind is from your own sense of being.

Take care of others in this life as they take care of you, and do what you can.

Happy holidays to all.

BORN A KING ON BETHLEHEM'S PLAIN

This nativity scene was the closest to the real thing in terms of the landscape in town. It took up a whole spacious lot and had special lighting for nighttime. The light color of the ground made for excellent faux farmland and "hay" and really sets the scene for Christmas Eve. Can't wait to see it at night!

JIM DANDY'S SAYS GOODBYE TO WESTWOOD

I guess Westwoodians weren't in the market for ribs. Jim Dandy's on Third Avenue has shut its doors. So to Mr. Dandy, we tip our hats, and in 2011, we welcome a new Italian restaurant and pizzeria, Casa Maselli. Right around the corner from my house, so here's hoping for good things!