Christmas Cheers and Christmas Sneers

I love Christmas with the best of them. I love decking the halls and singing the tunes and putting peppermint mocha in my coffee. But this time of year, there are some things that send chills down my spine--and not in a good way. (And don't ask. I don't know what makes me so sardonic.)

Christmas Cheers: Josh Groban's O Holy Night. It can't be beat.

Christmas Sneers: The song Christmas Shoes. I honestly can't take it anymore. I hear "Sir I wanna buy these shoes for my momma please," and my hand automatically reaches for the dial.

Christmas Cheers: I love enthusiastic Salvation Army bell ringers. The one at Walmart is one of Lucy's favorites, and she even gets a "Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" from Lucy every time we walk in. (And that is a lot since it's almost Christmas and I do not habitually make shopping lists.)

Christmas Sneers: Kay Jewelers television commercials. I practically get tears of embarrassment every time one of these comes on. Have you seen the storm one? How about the sign language one? Sheesh.

Christmas Cheers: I love Christmas lights, garland, receiving Christmas cards, our Advent Chain. I love baking Christmas cookies, chex mix, and sausage cheese balls. You know...all the holly jolly stuff. It warms my soul.

Christmas Sneers: I don't enjoy Gloria Estefan on the radio. Ever, really. But especially right after Josh Groban's O Holy Night.