I just love seeing a big stack of presents under the tree! Some of these are those we’ve bought for each other, and some for friends coming over on Friday; some were sent for us in the post. Dr. Quest sent me a big order of barbecue for my family; Rick Pettit sent goodies as well, but sweet ones. And Jeremy Dunn sent me one of Vincent Price’s cookbooks, so I can make goodies on my own. A couple of my other gents sent money, which is of course always appreciated, and I’ll be finishing the last of my own Christmas shopping today. Then tomorrow I’ll be heading back to Sunset for the rest of the year, during which time I plan to spend the holidays doing as little as possible. And the ability to do that is probably the best present of all.
Diary #547
December 22, 2020 by Maggie McNeill

Originally, prezzies were hung from the tree. Real, lit candles were used, and the combined results were a bit too incendiary. Hence, the idea of placing the presents at the base of the tree.