Mistletoe isn't the only thing that hangs over people's heads during the Christmas season. Sorrows such as loneliness, grief and financial anxiety can chase away holiday cheer faster than a ban on booze at the office Christmas party.

But there are ways to find a little holiday joy, despite the miseries that might attend the season. For example, I like to amuse myself by slipping locusts and other cash-devouring insects into the Salvation Army buckets.

I also like to talk to my nephews about the magic of Santa Claus. One of them recently told me what he had asked Santa for Christmas. He said it was a radio-controlled tank that could fire smoke pellets. I leaned back thoughtfully, rubbed my chin and replied, "Wow, that's a really special gift to ask for, and that explains a lot. You see, news from the North Pole is that Santa was working really hard to make a special gift for a boy your age, and his big, old heart just finally gave out and Santa died of a heart attack. So I guess we can say that you killed Santa. I hope none of the other kids at school find out, or else you're going to get your ass kicked seven ways from Sunday on the playground."

Such moments create a special, warm feeling in me that only the Christmas season can bring.