Welcome back to reality, everybody. The holidays are over and the New Year is upon us. And it's really, really cold out there. Like I said: Welcome back to the real world.

I hope you had a wonderful and joyous Christmas season, or at least got what you wanted under the tree and didn't get into any big arguments with the in-laws.

My 6-year-old son, Jack, proclaimed this the "Best Christmas Ever" as he unwrapped his gifts, so I figure my holiday was a success. Hopefully, he will keep having the "Best Christmas Ever" for the next six or seven years, at least. My daughter Kate, 19-months-old, just liked ripping off the wrapping paper. I'm sure it was her best Christmas ever, as well.

So, here we go into that time of year between the holidays and spring. It's cold, it's a little boring, and sometimes it seems like January and February are four months long instead of two. But hey... we need a rest, right? It might not be "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" like December, but it's definitely a lot more quiet for most of us. And right now, that doesn't sound bad at all. Happy January!