It's time once again for the annual Christmas Tea in the Parlors at my old high school. Basically, the event is for alums of "the academy" and held in what used to be the parlors of two former Victorian mansions that were purchased by the nuns who started the school. It usually lasts about two hours and involves standing around chatting, while sipping tea and eating fancy cookies and finger sandwiches. It's a ladies' only event. I went for several years in a row, while I was serving on the board that plans the gathering, but never really enjoyed it - a little too stuffy and pretentious for me, plus I'm not big on small talk. A few people have asked me if I'm coming this year and when I've said no they just can't believe it. One woman said it's one of the highlights of the holiday season for her. Just wondering if others enjoy this kind of thing?
