Back in 1993 Jered told me to look for the joy in life every day. He said life is too short, so try and make each day count. He said if changes in my life weren't working out, then find other ones that would. He said he'd be there to help me find the joy. Years later, I sometimes wonder if he knew this encouragement, especially on that Christmas at the airport, would get me through.   

I don't know what they do during the rest of the year, but every November hordes of old men descend on American malls dressed like Santa Claus. I don't know if they're retired or bored (maybe there's a lot of money wrapped up in this whole Saint Nick racket) but something drives these people to sit in costume by food courts and wait for the long lines of children to form.  

We adults need to grow up, take a look at our credit card statements and relax the spending. We're all on our own now. Times are tough, and socially obligated gifting won't get any of us out of our financial difficulties. Anyone who buys presents or sings carols this year is a total jerk. Christmas is canceled.  

You know the scene: A jangled Parker family makes their way to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas Day, still mourning their turkey's fate as a plaything for 785 "Notafinga!" bloodhounds. Create your own Christmas story with one of these seven recommendations for dinner out on Dec. 25.