At work, I was in the process of hiring a senior manager who would eventually take my place. The challenge was that she was going to start on January 2, 1997, a day on our itinerary planned for the mountain province, Baguio, Philippines! In addition to being responsible for hiring this new manager, I was made team lead for a new project, Product Support and Learning and Training for our corporate world wide web site.
At home, we were Christmas shopping for our friends in the Bay Area and preparing for a holiday party on December 8, 1996. We were also shopping for my family back in the Philippines.
All in all December 1996 was quite active and I was wound up so tightly, I couldn't wait for the 16 hour flight so I could rest!
Nine pieces of luggage later, including three "Balikbayan" (returning home) boxes (20x20x20). We headed for SFO en route to Manila (via Seoul, Korea). I hope this explains why you didn't receive my holiday greeting in time.