Syrup is best left to pancakes. When the letters and emails I get this time of year are dripping with syrupy sentimentality I honestly have a hard time stomaching it.

Honestly though my problem isn't with the expression of such things it is with the timing.

It seems that Charles Dickens managed to make everyone afraid of Jacob Marley and his ghostly cohorts. No one wants to be thought of as a Scrooge by anyone, especially not themselves.

"…and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!"

And just how is it that one is to keep Christmas well? I wonder if anyone alive possesses the knowledge.

Well, I wouldn't go that far I suppose.

I've seen those who show kindness to all of mankind with a generosity of spirit for those who are their friends as well as those who wish them ill.

Odd thing is, those aren't generally the people who send out the letters, cards and emails dripping with holiday happiness. Could this be the same sort of thing as the middle-aged man with some, "shortcomings" who tools around in the big red sports car?

Look, the thing is I'm not saying that anyone should knock it off with the lovely happy stories. What I am saying is how about living them in June and September as well.

While we're on the holiday topic let me pass on one other thing. In fairness I must begin by pointing out that this isn't my revelation it was that of a radio talk-show personality. Which one it was I'm not sure.

This fellow pointed out something as a caller was wining about being told "Happy Holidays."

He reminded the woman that it was the communion before the crucifixion where Christ said "Do this in remembrance of me." But there is no where in that passage or any other where the Lord said -oh and make sure to rock-out on my birthday.

I am not going to bash or belittle anyone's religion here and the fellow on the radio was not either. He was however suggesting that people skip on the histrionics over how someone wishes them well.

Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, or whatever your brand of greeting it is all just a way of wishing someone well after all.

It is after all the spirit of the season which someone is passing on with a "Happy Holiday."

So passing up all the pagan meaning that many see behind a celebration at this time of year and letting pass the fact that most biblical historians and paleo-astronomers say there is no way that the Virgin Birth could ever have occurred at this time of the year; remember it is a celebration so be happy and help make others happy.

Soon we pass into a new year, and that holds both relief that this one is over and trepidation over what the new one could hold.

Now is the time to celebrate all those things we have all those people we love and what the season means to all of us.

However much time you have this holiday and however many things are wrapped and waiting for you and whoever you are spending this time with, enjoy!

Take of the best you can find now and the best you can pull from your memories and pass it around to those who will partake. For if you are willing to give like that you will find that you will receive even better than you give.

And for those who noted a hint of something rather like… syrup, in this all I can say is  -Guilty! And I'll follow that up with, "An intelligent boy!" said Scrooge. "A remarkable boy! - "What a delightful boy!" said Scrooge. "It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck!"

Oh, and Happy New Year!"