Wassail
sounds like WAH-sul
verb/noun
Meaning
1-to indulge in riotous drinking, carousing and other activities associated with the Holiday season
2-to sing carols from house to house or go partying with someone named Carol during the Christmas season
3-to drink to the health or thriving of
4-hot drink of wine, beer, or cider with spices, sugar, and baked apples
There was a record snowstorm on Saturday, December 19, 2009- 26.3 inches at Upton, Long Island, the most ever recorded on L.I. New Hyde Park had much less, I measured 12 inches.
Liam had a tough time on his first foray
out into the snow. Seems his head was not much above the snow
and he decided to come right back
The snow stayed for while since the weather was cold. Liam treated the backyard as a racetrack, only using the perimeter for his excursions. Although melting went on all week, on Christmas Day we still had 4 inches of snow. I had always thought the true definition of a White Christmas to be -snow falling softly on Christmas Eve and awakening Christmas morning to a fresh blanket of new snow.Not so. If one inch of snow is on the ground, it is deemed a White Christmas. The snow could be left over from weeks or years prior.
See story from NY Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/nyregion/25white.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=white%20Christmas&st=cse
Liam received some toys and treats this Christmas season. He enjoyed each and every one. Snowman, Gman (both severely injured)
green boney and snowflake still intact 
Some toys are now severely wounded and in ICU. Others might live to see the new decade. Treats have been shared with our doggie neighbors. See Tango ready for her treat
Liam has his own stocking and received some money from his Aunt Susan which we deposited in his stocking for Christmas morning 
A Christmas dinner
Liam, Paul and I were invited to a Christmas get-together. Liam was very excited; he would be the only dog and knew this meant lots of attention. Being a Leo birth sign, Liam craves the spotlight. The party's location was in an apartment building. I grew up in an apartment, in city housing and love the abundance of people all living together stacked in little compartments. All went well. Liam rode in an elevator for the first time, had a Christmas meatball - a big departure from his routine of strictly dog food only and got to hang with family
This potpourri of activities was interrupted by Liam's annual physical on Monday, 12/28. Poor little guy. Didn't have a chance to work off the extra doggie treats, so he showed a bit of a weight gain since last year. And it was a complete physical- meaning pokes, prodding of the prostate and shots for prevention of all sorts of things. Liam even received a flu shot. This will protect him from me since I have not received one. Paul has received two. Liam had to rest after this ordeal; a hound under a hounds tooth shawl
Tomorrow, New Year's Day, will be the second anniversary of Liam's adoption from North Shore Animal League. We brought puppy Liam home on 01/01/08, Liam shown here in early 2008-
He has brought us tremendous joy over the last two years. Liam has his own blog. He owns all the rooms in our house, even claims our clothes
as well as the yard 
Wishing you all Happy New Year, Happy New Decade
and thanks for reading LiamLicks all year. This is the LastLicks of 2009 as well as the decade. See you in 2010.
Woof, Woof
"My idea of a white Christmas is not measured in inches. I see family and friends gathered together on Christmas Eve and someone looks out the window and says "look, it's beginning to snow". And as we all gaze up toward the street lights, we catch a glimpse of the clean white flakes coming down. And the young kids get all excited knowing Santa will be flying through the snow to reach them the next day."
I agree with Lynne.