There are few things that get me in the Christmas spirit like an old historic building or city block decked out in its holiday fanciest. There’s just something about the twinkling lights at dusk and miles of pine roping neatly adorning some fabulous architecture that ignites the sentimental holiday sap in me.  

The presidential campaign shifts into super-high gear Monday, when the Democratic National Convention begins in Denver. And if presumptive nominee Barack Obama emerges from Denver as the party's