Christmas Eve

Some random thoughts this Christmas Eve...

• Why is it the only version of the 1951 A Christmas Carol starring Alistair Sim is that bastardized, colourized version foisted upon us by Ted Turner and his evil minions?


• Why is it that in the traditional "Christmas" movies that the protagonists have to jibber like demented baboons at the end of the movie to show how they have changed for the better. I'm talking about both Scrooge and George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life"- if they'd both acted like that in real life they'd be put away in padded cells. I guess quiet contemplation on the meaning of the holiday just doesn't cut it.


• Why is it people always set themselves up for heartbreak by thinking they're going to have some perfect Martha Stewart Christmas? Then get pissed off when the tiniest most insignificant thing goes wrong. Martha has a staff: you don't


• Why is that the people who complain the loudest about the so-called "commercialization" of the holidays are the first to line up to try to outdo everyone else in extravagant presents. If you think Christmas is too commercial then just opt out. No one is putting a gun to your head to buy stuff. There is still such a thing as free will you know. All the belly-aching and wanking is dragging down the people around you who may actually be enjoying the season. But you can't have that, can you? If you are miserable, then of course you should share the misery with everyone else. How dare they be happy!


• Why is a holiday that's supposed to be about peace and family the cause of the most stress imaginable for the general public?

To all out there, have a Happy Holiday! Try not to kill your parents. If they didn't change in all the time you've known them, don't expect them to change just because it's Christmas. Give them a little present and cut them a break. Try to enjoy your time with them, even if they don't want to let you. The day is short, and you can make good use of it, even if it's a duty visit.

It's only once a year.