Christmas Crimes & Causes (R)

[Peg Herring]

A couple years ago I asked readers to tell me what they most liked and hated about Christmas. Here's what they said. The list works for every year, so I guess that means we're a consistent people. Any additions or corrections?

I like Christmas because

reindeer fly, monsters become good guys, and the ugliest Christmas tree is O.K.

poor and rich, wise and ignorant, powerful and powerless, all stop and consider their purpose

you get to see people at their best


I hate Christmas because

you see people at their worst: greedy, ornery, and intoxicated: how did Christ's birthday become a reason to get drunk?

after all the preparation and anticipation, it's over in a few minutes and you're facing three months of winter, work, and weariness.