Merry Christmas! (Because no one will admit it.)

December 25: a day stores lock their otherwise always-open doors and spend some quality family time around a pine tree with presents under it. No, not Christmas. Only "seasons," holidays," and "that time of the year" are okay excuses for not working. Businesses, if you're gonna act like you celebrate Christmas, celebrate Christmas. And think about it, if Bush could win the 2004 election with religion, you can probably beat sales projections with it too.

Likewise, I know Santa is the real reason for Christmas (since Santa in Aramaic means "Jesus"), but there is another guy people think about this time of year. He died, came back to life, and was magical, bringing joy to all those around him. Hundreds of books and movies have even been made about him. If anyone is to be used as a catalyst for "holiday" sales, it's Frosty the Snowman.