Reindeer, Central Park (sitter unknown; possibly Donder.)

Snatching Day

On December 2nd, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte snatched

the crown out of the Pope's hands and crowned himself

Emporer of France; and so was established Snatching Day.

Why wait for someone else to get you a present? Why

not go right out and snatch something for yourself,

you rascal you? A few Snatching Day suggestions:

CDs: Poses by Rufus Wainwright

Movies: The Independent by Mike Wilkins & Steve Kessler

Books: The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Cartoons: Achewood by Chris Onstand

Charity: The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund

Now, charity might at first seem at odds with the

spirit of Snatching Day, remember that you can

smugly refer to your recent charity work at holiday

parties. So that's all right, then.

"A curious New Year's Eve custom prevails in Denmark. Throughout

the year each household saves its old broken crockery, and when New Year

comes this crockery is tossed against the door of your favorite friends.

You dash it against their door and run, but you do not want to run too far,

as you desire to be invited in for doughnuts, and when New Years morning

arrives, the most loved citizen in the community is he who has the most

broken crockery before his door."

-- from 1001 Christmas Facts and Fancies by Alfred Carl Hottes

'Noel, noel, noel, noel.

Who is there that singeth so, noel, noel,

noel?

I am here, Sir Christmas.

Welcome, My lord Sir Christmas.

Welcome to ye all, both more and less,

Come near, noel....

Buvez bien par toute la compagnie,

Make good cheer and be right merry,

And sing with us now joyfully,

Noel.'

from Sir Christmas

The Oxford Book of Carols, 1928

   Days 'til Christmas