Wednesday: A Christmas Story

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... Jack Frost nipping at your nose..

This is an old chestnut.

The family gathers around the Christmas tree to celebrate the birth of the son of God.

The kids are all tucked into bed while visions of sugar plums dance through their head.

And what to amazement do I hear? My computer calling me:

You've got mail.

Rut Roh! It is a notice from my credit card company. I have went over my limit and I am late to boot. That play station I bought has cost me 60 more dollars than I thought.

I think I need a drink, Christmas is starting to stink.

Quick as a flash I go to the web and access my bank account and almost drop dead.

The check that I wrote to buy that big meal has bounced and then another one to Walmart to buy that big tree has bounced twice. Oh woe is me.

My goose is cooked as I scan the page. Bounce. Bounce. Bounce. $30.00 a bounce.

Sadly I turn from my dearest friend and isp and wander back to the living room and turn on the TV.

My cable is out because of that bouncy t bounce.

Ah Christmas is here and people of all faiths can take one day to worship Jesus and to say:

Thanks God for the good credit you just took from me.

A snifter of Cognac I warm in my hand as visions of poverty dance through my head. And Pa with his beer and me with my good friend Jim Beam raise our glasses and say Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.