The Holidays are Upon Us.

And with them, of course, the consideration of gifts.

As we mull over our giving, we must consider the fact that The Mister is quite consumed by the issue of global warming.   And, in particular, its impact on low-lying coastal communities.

Subsequently, one of the things we are considering for our family this year is some acreage in Siberia. By many accounts, most of them highly suspect, land in Siberia could, at some point, be as good as gold.

Our plans are to get ahead of the rush.  Sort of like the people who bought water-front property on Hilton Head so many years ago.

Now, what’s not so simple is figuring out how we go about purchasing that land.  Yes, we have a realtor in the family but, the last time I looked, his license doesn’t extend quite that far.

Alas, we won’t be able to put eyes on the property.  Is there a view?  Will our land be conducive to shopping malls?  Good schools?  Neighbors?  What is the resale value?  Is there any?  These are among the many things we will probably never know.

But, still, we are seriously considering the option.  Many factors are at work here.

Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are growing up in such different worlds from ours.  We find it hard to keep up with the trends and their needs.  I have the strange feeling that a deed to property in Siberia won’t get that “Oh, this is just what I wanted” moment on Christmas morning.  But, as always, it’s the thought that counts.

We have dreams of the family shivering around roaring fires, swathed in heavy blankets, ice-fishing on the frigid floes, snow-skiing on the blizzard-swept plains, dining on dried Buffalo meat and chilled borscht.

Wait.  Stop.  Never mind.  I went off the rails a bit there.  I’m back now.  Eddie Bauer  just announced its 50% off-everything-in-the-store sale.  Whew.