Fountain Valley News - Your Hometown Community Newspaper

Before COVID, my holiday traditions this time of year began with a gathering of five neighborhood friends for an early-morning coffee klatch at one of our houses. We originally met when our sons were just 5 years old, and our friendship continued through Cub Scout activities, softball games, bike rides and picnics at the neighborhood park. Off they went to college, and we attend their weddings together.

Since we still lived within blocks of one another, we'd take turns hosting the annual get-together. For the one in charge, it offered an opportunity to use our fanciest or quirkiest tablewa...