I'm reminded of Tom Lehrer's Christmas song at this time every year. Glitter, glitz, and commercialism have taken over the season to the detriment of anything else.

My kids (I'm a non-custodial parent) sent me lists of all the things they want for Christmas this year. Grand total: $400.00 or so each. Will they send me a thank-you note? Not bloody likely. Instead I'll get a phone-call whining about what they didn't get.

Bah! Humbug!

--IceWolf (who celebrates the Solstice rather than Christmas anyway)