Come the morning of December 25, I will be searching under the tree for gifts—specifically for those that are gender neutral, tasteful, and wildly inappropriate. That's because I believe that just as a stranger is a friend you haven't met, a beautifully wrapped Christmas atrocity is a misfit purchase destined to be dumped on some other poor soul at my convenience.

DECK THE HALLS with boughs of holly” goes the much-loved carol. And indeed we do: sprigs of red-berried, spiny-leafed branches decorate the mantel, add color to our wreaths, and are tucked into centerpieces on the holiday table. Holly is an indispensable prop in our yuletide festivities.

Imagine justifying a trip to your favorite designer store as critical for college credits. Well, if you’re lucky enough to be attending Yale University’s history course, Shops and Shopping, such an excursion is required research. And it’s fascinating stuff.

Spending Labor Day at Lime Rock's Vintage Festival