Christmas is a reminder that the incarnation of the spirit of the essential human is in excessive consumption of food, drink and material possessions. However, the annual orgy is redeemed by the fact that people become uncharacteristically friendly and charitable to each other for the 'silly season', thus demonstrating that it is possible after all for humans to get along together.

Despite my cynicism about this largely superficial annual ritual, I'm not churlish enough to wish to deprive others of their jollies. Besides which, like most retail businesses, this is by far the most profitable time of year for mine :). Believe it or not, yesterday I was prevailed upon to don a hot and silly red suit and fake white beard in order to play Santa at the local pub. And of course a great time was had by all, particularly the kids.

Foxy's post reminds me of a news snippet I heard last year about a shop assistant in Austria (I think) who sued the shopping centre in which he worked for mental cruelty, due to its incessant playing of muzak Christmas carols. I can relate to that!