So this is Christmas...

... and what have you done? (Name that tune...)

I called my folks - well, my mom, actually. She thought my dad, who has terminal cancer, died yesterday. False alarm. Says he's been hallucinating (seeing angels, among other things.) I actually called yesterday when I found out about all this, but it was 7:30 my time, so it was late late there (for them, at least - 10:30.)

Me, I'm not upset about this. I understand her being upset, and having nearly lost my wife before, I can understand - but dad's had a good life, raised us right, and has no regrets. I'd rather see him go now, than sit in a nursing home 10 years from now waiting to die.

Still, I think (as does my wife) that he's deliberately holding on 'til after Christmas. Heck of a present, that. He's calmer now, as is my mom. The calls seem to be helping.

Other than that, not much going on. Don't get to go down and visit my wife this weekend, as I have today off. Period. Oh well, there's always next weekend - when I have an *actual* weekend.

Last few, holiday-related thoughts -
1. Do reindeer fly - Yes, for kids, as long as they believe they do.

2. Should an adult believe in Santa Claus - Yep. Not as a person, perhaps, but the thought and spirit of giving and of cheer that we've tended to personify in ol' Nick there is worth keeping alive - year round, in fact. Besides, it's part of the fun of Christmas ("Yep, Santa must have brought you that headband with reindeer antlers. I'd never do such a thing.")

3. How about kids? Perpetuate the myth? Damn right. Use him to teach giving - not "behave for a reward." We're talking Santa, not Pavlov.

Didn't get much this year, but I don't care. I enjoyed what I got, and got to go nuts buying gifts for people, which *is* the thrill for me (seeing their reactions and seeing them enjoy the gifts.) It's also why I hate forgetting birthdays. Yeah, sure, I go overboard (Inuyasha, season 1, $75?) but the money doesn't matter if the person really likes it. Not that I'm rich... but that doesn't matter either.

Merry Christmas, happy Yule, happy holidays everyone.