Ho! Ho! Ho!
I can’t imagine too many of you are here today and I’d hope that’s the case but if you are, know this:
I had a friend ask me the other day in all seriousness whether I liked this gig and all the stuff that goes with it, especially the workload.
I tried to explain what this little part of the world – and a rather large part of my life – is, exactly. And it was hard.
Maybe it’s a big old family, with an old crotchety uncle or two, a sibling you can probably do without, an issue or two that you have to deal with while rolling your eyes or smirking or simply gritting your teeth and getting through it. But it’s family and you take the good with the bad and make the most of everything you do.
Or maybe it’s as we’ve discussed before, a grand and raucous cocktail party where everyone is talking at once and sometimes no one is listening to anyone else as they prattle on and you seek a quiet corner and a lovely conversation to get away from the hubbub. But it’s fun to watch the people, enjoy the company, enjoy the bash.
It is in no way perfect or even close to it; it is sometimes hard, sometimes laughable, sometimes delightful, sometimes a chore.
But it is ours and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Pardon the sappiness – you know I don’t do it well – but from the bottom of my heart I wish you and yours nothing but sweetness and light and peace and prosperity on this day.
And on all the days that follow.
Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Mr. Smith and all the best to you and yours.
Blogger's note: You're welcome and all the best
Posted by: m | December 25, 2011 at 12:20 AM
Thanks Doug! Merry Christmas to you and your super family. Thanks again for everything you do and keeping us informed and entertained.
Blogger's note: We appreciate the kind words
Posted by: Josh C. | December 25, 2011 at 12:52 AM
I am no forensic investigator but given that your post was up five minutes into Christmas Day rather than the normal early morning posting sorta shows me that you put some real thought into this one. Your genuine nature is evident in your writing not just today but everyday. That may be what I appreciate the most.
Lots of love to you and yours today.
Blogger's note: Thank you; and to yours as well
Posted by: Andrew Potter | December 25, 2011 at 01:19 AM
What?! Nothing about basketball?! Oh, okay, you're forgiven today. All the best to our favourite grunt and all the regular Irregulars.
Blogger's note: I'm ashamed of myself. A bit :) Merry Christmas
Posted by: GM | December 25, 2011 at 02:37 AM
Your Christmas postings are always appreciated (nice outfit this year). Merry Christmas to you, to your loved ones and, of course, to all the Irregulars
Blogger's note: I always try to dress the part
Posted by: Matthieu | December 25, 2011 at 03:50 AM
Merry NBA Day Ev1 :)
Blogger's note: U 2
Posted by: jimT | December 25, 2011 at 04:58 AM
Merry Christmas to you and your family Doug!! To quote a seldom used sports cliche , the blog I what it is and that's why we keep coming back
Blogger's note: And you and yours, best wishes
Posted by: Gavin | December 25, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Merry Christmas to you and your Super Family. Oh, and I can't believe that there's no basketball in the blog today!! ;)
Blogger's note: We'll be better tomorrow :)
Posted by: Peter | December 25, 2011 at 08:17 AM
Merry Christmas back to you and your family Doug!
Blogger's note: Much appreciated
Posted by: Ben | December 25, 2011 at 08:42 AM
Merry Christmas Doug!
Blogger's note: And to you, as well
Posted by: Rob H | December 25, 2011 at 08:44 AM
Merry Christmas Doug. Now I have read your lovely entry today, we can get to opening a few gifts. Have a great day.
Blogger's note: Hope your day is great, too
Posted by: David Morton | December 25, 2011 at 08:58 AM
Thanks for keeping me entertained in 2011. Merry Christmas and all the best to you and your family in 2012.
You know, looking at that photo, I used to think Santa was an old man. Now that I'm getting up there in age, he's starting to look a lot like some of my friends!
Blogger's note: He looks like of my younger friends. All the best
Posted by: Barry Ward | December 25, 2011 at 08:58 AM
hey!!! feel proud that you make your little corner of the world better.
Blogger's note: And thankful, very thankful
Posted by: larry lukeeborg | December 25, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Merry Christmas, Doug. Thank you for all your hard work during the year. You are certainly appreciated. Wishing you a great Christmas surrounded by family.
Blogger's note: Appreciate it very much
Posted by: RonT | December 25, 2011 at 09:17 AM
Of course we're here. And btw, after reading your "5 Games to Watch" article my two sons spent most of yesterday answering any question with "Two words:...." and, if necessary, "Two more words:....."
Merry Christmas, Doug. I can't describe your steady, dependable contribution any better than #larry lukeeborg, so I won't try. But I strongly recommend that you don't bother replying to this post, and spend those 10 seconds with your family instead.
Posted by: Mike D. | December 25, 2011 at 09:42 AM
thanks for the blog and all your effort and hard work in giving many people a respite away from everyday life, and Merry Xmas to you,your "super family" and all the "irregulars"....is it noon yet?, I want a rum and egg nog....cheers....
Blogger's note: It's noon somewhere; Merry Christmas
Posted by: doug | December 25, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !! It;'s currently -17c and no more BBQ questions :-)
Blogger's note: Barbecue for heat
Posted by: JHP | December 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM
Merry christmas Doug! Thanks for all of your work on this daily must read. All the best to your super fam.
Blogger's note: Thank you very much
Posted by: Brad | December 25, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Merry Christmas to the SuperFamily. I may be transplanted to the snowy prairie plains but my heart is there with you all in Ontario. Seasons best to all.
Blogger's note: And our best to you
Posted by: Cory R | December 25, 2011 at 10:43 AM
Merry Christmas Doug! Thanks for all you do, and best wishes for the upcoming year.
Kate C
Blogger's note: And my best wishes for you
Posted by: Kate C | December 25, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Merry Christmas Doug and all the Irregulars.
Blogger's note: Thanks
Posted by: ptboscott | December 25, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Hi Doug,
You did sappy very well indeed. In fact, you slam-dunked sappy.
Thank you for your sweet Christmas wishes. Many very happy returns.
Blogger's note: And thank you; best wishes
Posted by: Angela | December 25, 2011 at 10:59 AM
As @Mike D said, of course we're here! (although between you and me, I hesitated (a wee bit!) before I clicked on the link to your blog this morning; without my reading glasses on I thought the title was Hot Hot Hot and after that Eartha Kitt thing the other day...) Enjoy a wonderful, restful Christmas with Super Family and thank you for the lovely blog today, and all days. Merry Christmas, Doug!
Blogger's note: And Merry Christmas to you
Posted by: Lorie | December 25, 2011 at 11:04 AM
Glad to hear that the lovable grunt who powers this place enjoys it the same way we do. Thanks for our daily get-togethers, Doug, and a Super Christmas to you and yours.
Blogger's note: Much appreciated
Posted by: TLI | December 25, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Merry Christmas Doug to you and your family from all of us!
Blogger's note: Thanks, the same to you and yours
Posted by: Mike kovacs | December 25, 2011 at 11:35 AM