Bleak midwinter?

Headlines these days are not presenting much Christmas cheer. Unemployment is at 9% in London, Woolsworth and other stores are closing, concerts are being canceled and even caroling nas been banned in certain areas, I and many others will not be with our families...it seems that "Happy Holidays" might appropiately reflect English irony. Many would easily admit that we all played a part in bringing to life an economical "Grinch" who is bent on stealing Christmas YET there is good evidence that the Whos are still going to celebrate. (Hopefully you realise that I am referencing Dr. Seuss' classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas) Of course the rough times have drawn out age old questions about the season, what we're actually celebrating and why, and then perhaps the answers we find will make our hearts painfully grow just like the Grinch's from being "two sizes too small". I for one will search out "whoville" this season-okay I've had my laughs!