Christmas, in their words

To jumpstart all the well-wishing, here are my favorite Christmas quotes from books, television shows, and movies. Some of them are wise, some of them are sassy, and some of them are really funny. Maybe we can get our cue from them-especially the funny ones-this year, when there's plenty to be gloomy about.

Dr. Seuss in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas: And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?

Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol: But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round... as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.

Erma Bombeck in I Lost Everything in the Post-Natal Depression: There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.

Lenore Hershey: Do give books-religious or otherwise-for Christmas. They're never fattening, seldom sinful, and permanently personal.

Bart Simpson, in The Simpsons: Christmas is a time when people of all religions come together to worship Jesus Christ.

Again, Bart Simpson, in The Simpsons: Aren't we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know... the birth of Santa.

Joan Rivers: The one thing women don't want to find in their stockings on Christmas morning is their husband.

Charlie Brown and Linus Van Pelt in A Charlie Brown Christmas:

Charlie Brown: Isn't there anyone out there who can tell me what Christmas is all about?

Linus: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you. Lights, please. (A spotlight shines on Linus.) "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the lord shone round about them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not, for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you this day is born in the City of Bethlehem, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men'." That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Kris Kringle in Miracle on 34th Street: Now wait a minute, Susie. Just because every child can't get his wish that doesn't mean there isn't a Santa Claus.

The Narrator in Mr. Krueger's Christmas: "I love you.' That's what Christmas is all about... Clarissa said it to Mr. Krueger; Mr. Krueger said it to Jesus; and Jesus in so many ways said it to all of us.

Happy Holidays, everyone! I know there's plenty to be gloomy about, but, as always, let's make this the reason for us to live the true meaning of the season. Email your comments to [email protected] . You may also post them at http://channelsurfing-freeman.blogspot.com.