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A first-class holiday As our only daughter was about to approach her first Christmas, my husband decided that she should experience it first-class. He decided we should spend the weekend before Christmas in Boston. So now, seven years later, we are still doing just that, staying at either the Long Wharf Marriott or the Copley Marriott and having a magnificent time leaving all our worries, wrapping, and baking at home. When we arrive Friday night we have a wonderful meal at either the Chart House or one of the lovely Italian restaurants in the North End. Saturday morning we set out to people watch at Faneuil Hall, do a little last-minute shopping, and just have fun being together as a family. Saturday night we go to the Common to admire the Christmas lights, and then we settle in back at our hotel room with a glass of fine wine and some hot cocoa for our daughter. Sunday morning we have a leisurely breakfast and then head on over to view the Enchanted Village. Our last stop is at FAO Schwarz to buy our daughter a special little gift. What started out as a "Let's be extravagant, just this once" has turned into a warm, memorable family tradition that we look forward to during this very busy time of year. It gives us time to reflect on the reason for the season. JOANNE SMITH Methuen

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