From Christianity Today, an article on the invasion of God: The so-called Christmas wars are much larger than we imagine. Many of the "PC gone mad!" stories about Christmas cards and cribs being outlawed are little more than rumours — so why do people believe them? From New Humanist, an article on the absurdity of referring to Christmas by alternative names; and Nightmare before Christmas: When Robin Ince was invited onto TV to debate the "de-Christianisation" of Christmas, the flawed arguments of Vanessa Feltz and Stephen Green were enough to leave him foaming at the mouth. From 10 Zen Monkeys, an article on Santa’s crimes against humanity. Here is a list of 10 classic toys (and why they suck). An interview with Bob Eckstein, author of The History of the Snowman. The igloo how-to: Tame the winter blues, impress your friends — eight steps to the perfect backyard snow shelter. Schroeder's dilemma: In the final analysis, the Christmas carol is neither high art nor popular claptrap; it is neither austerely sacred nor tritely popular; it is both timeless and timely, traditional and modern. Awry in a manger: It takes a miracle to stage this play in living nativity scenes, frisky goats steal show, Joseph takes a tumble. Do suicides really peak during the holidays? The Numbers Guy investigates.
