Nov. 24. What a delightful way to open the Christmas season! Despite the fast-rising numbers of corona infections, 22 of us got together in the large room of the Alte Feuerwache to enjoy homemade cookies, cakes and savories, with tea and coffee. It was such a nice, casual atmosphere, even though we had to wear masks while moving around. Instead of the usual pointsettas, Barbara had organized hyazinths, which were then sold at the end for our charity, the new Frauenhaus in Cologne. And we could all contribute a donation in the traditional stocking.      Finally, we had to vote on whether to have the Christmas lunch on Dec. 8. Since many of us have to get to the Alte Feuerwache by public transportation, and the numbers are increasing dramatically, we decided to cancel the official luncheon. Perhaps some of us will get together informally , but that was left open.      Now we are looking forward to our next meeting on Jan. 19, 2022, hoping that the situation will have gotten under control by then. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, we headed home  by 4 p.m. Of course, we will all be in touch by e-mail during the holidays.