"So this is Christmas... , " as John Lennon sang.

Yeah. Bah-fucking-humbug.

Every year! The same time each year! The same-old-same-old. Cheer. Joy. The false greetings. The mercenary exchanges of baubles and junk.

The annual reminder of so much sorrow.

Yes, yes, yes. I know. My upbringing says I should go down to the local church and kneel inside the confessional.

"Forgive me Father, for I have sinned," I should begin.

Right. I'm human and had human reactions to a life gone sour. The joy sucked from my soul. I'm supposed to ask forgiveness for this?

Instead, I stand on the steps of the church and demand from the guardians of heaven, "When is God going to offer me forgiveness?"

They argue with me. They ban me. They shun me. Proudly, to me, they call me a heathen. A Godless soul.

That time of the year rolls around again. Pretty lights. Nice music. But, where is the perfection of "It's A Wonderful Life"? Where is the humor of "A Christmas Story"? Where is glamour of "Holiday Inn"? Where exactly did the miracle on 34^th Street go? Did the Grinch really steal Christmas and was the happy ending banned by life's censors?

Sorry God. I lost faith.

So, here I sit. On Christmas Eve. In a bar. The owners must be Godless heathens as well, for they are opened for normal bar hours on this special night. No rush to get home. No last minute gifts to buy. Just order another double. The magic of alcohol having no affect. Or, is that effect? Nope, that's not happening either.

"Merry Christmas," slurs another patron on the way out the door. Obviously filled with the new Christmas Cheer — at least 40% pure alcohol's worth. In shot form. They must have been in a hurry to down so many in such a short period of time. Not taking one moment to savor the taste.

What happened to mistletoe and eggnog with friends and family by the home's warm hearth? When did we stop going caroling door-to-door?

"So, my friend, what has you so pissed off tonight?" Ah, an insightful barkeep. Must have seen through the dark clouds hanging over my head and my surly attitude to divine my true feelings.

"Pissed? Not yet. A few more doubles and I will be." I've spent too many years in the UK to let that one pass.

"Sure. In the meantime, why don't you tell me your story. I'll listen." Great. One of the last barmen shrinks.

"As if it would make a difference." Me? Surly? Naw...

"Hey, I'm only offering." An eternal optimist. Must not know Murphy or God real well.

"Well, why are you here tonight?" Got him on that one.

"To offer lubrication and compassion." No superior look from him.

"What, like the snake-oil salesmen in the local religious Ponzi schemes keep preaching?" Take that, you meddling asshole. I'd say that to your face, but I want more booze.

"I think it's time for you to head home." His threat was said softly. No storm troopers around to try to physically remove me.

"I'm not done." Yeah. Take that.