Idon’t think he’s avoiding thoughts about the true meaning of Christmas, but his mind seems to wander off into the tall weeds about gifts that might be coming his way,” said Aunt Maude,” who has been “hitched” to Uncle Mort for more than 80 years. He prefers that others experience the true “joy of giving,” and then tell him about it. Mort thinks their blessings might rub off on him. Truth to tell, Maude is content to “let him be,” not unlike letting “sleeping dogs lie.” She has been “kitchen busy” for days, lining tables and counters with baked goods and candies.