Dear readers,

How often do you come home feeling like you need a vacation after your vacation? It’s usually when you’ve gone some place far away and are trying to pack in so many activities, excursions and cities because you want that long trip worth the miles traveled.

It can be tough getting into the holiday spirit when there’s no chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose and no folks here in the Valley dressed up like Eskimos. Then again, as much as I love traditions, why not celebrate the holidays in a uniquely Arizona way?  

As I was going through the drive-through at Starbucks the other day, I got to the window to pay and the barista informed me that my order had been paid for. Turns out, the car in front of me had bought me my drink. I immediately thought, do I know that person? I mean, why else would a strang…