A special day that sometimes doesn't feel too special

Know what I wish, among many things?

That Christmas didn’t have the feel of “just another day” to it.

Not sure precisely why but there seems to have been a societal move away from it being a major holiday.

Remember when nothing was open? Oh, maybe one mom and pop corner store would open in the afternoon so you could run out and get batteries or milk or whatever but other than that, you couldn’t go sit in the coffee shop, you couldn’t get gas, you couldn’t do very much at all.

And you certainly couldn’t sit like a zombie and watch five – FIVE! – basketball games in a noon-to-midnight marathon that is so much overkill, it’s not even funny.

I kind of agree with Stan Van Gundy, who once famously tweaked the NBA for its determination to try to make Christmas at least a little bit about the sport when it shouldn’t be. He was – and I am – a bit miffed that families have be a bit disrupted if Dad or Mom have to go work at the arena selling concessions or taking tickets or whatever. I think the players would, if truth be told entirely, enjoy the day off rather than have to play and having watched more than a few Christmas Day games, it shows in the level of performance.

I understand, a bit, the need to worship at the altar of the almighty television dollar and the networks want programming that at least has a chance to take away from what could be family time, or at least private time.

But overdoing it so much has turned what could be a special day into just another in my little life. No way in the world I’d watch all that basketball, even if I could.

Shouldn’t tomorrow be a day to hang with the family and the loved ones, play a bit for the new toys you discovered in the morning?

I want it to be a “nice” day, not “another” day.

I’m not looking forward to my own afternoon’s Toronto-Houston-San Antonio flight; I’m not looking forward to dinner in a hotel lobby bar (wonder if they have turkey tacos at the RiverCenter?) and I’m not looking forward to disrupting Super Family’s life by rushing through what should be a relaxing morning to pack and get shuttled off to Pearson.

But those quiet days when you couldn’t do anything are gone; not sure they should be forgotten.

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A little CanCon Christmas?

You can have The Hockey Song all you want; Stompin’ Tom does the holidays and it’s cool.

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So it’s come to this in the idiocy that is junk food giveaways at NBA games?

Doug Collins goes into his own pocket rather than have his team disrespect the game so fans can eat something they probably shouldn’t?

Seriously, we see this so often in so many cities over the course of a season that I think the league should step in, tell its teams to stop this across the board.

I can’t imagine the money the teams get for these silly promotions is substantial enough that they’d miss it if it’s gone. And with a mandate from the marketing gurus in New York – and, trust me, they have to approve everything from in-game antics to music selections to the decibel level of PA announcements – teams could easily say they’ve love to do something like cheap food giveaways but they can’t.

Seems an easy solution, doesn’t it?

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A question for the ages:

Why do people behind the wheels of cars become total driving idiots at this time of year?

Was watching by a mall here on Sunday and saw four cars stopping traffic each way by floating into intersections and blocking traffic like seldom seen, saw one doofus go careening around a corner screeching tires and almost knocking over a pedestrian and then saw close to a fistfight over a parking spot when there was another one open not 30 metres away.

Isn’t this supposed to be the time of peace and joy and caring for your fellow humans? I understand impatience like the best of them – it is the one trait I’d love to change in myself – but this time of year seems to bring out the worst in too many of us.

It’s not like the mall is going to disappear or anything, it’s not like blocking traffic should make anyone feel any better.

Dopes.

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Obligatory Raptors note, just to keep some of you happy:

No, there’s been no update on Jonas Valanciunas. There were going to get him to a hand specialist on the weekend and, perhaps, seek a second opinion after that.

Doubt we’ll get anything today, either. I’ll catch up with them Christmas night in San Antonio and should have something then.

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Okay, here’s one?

Best part of Christmas dinner?

A true confession: I’m not big on turkey at all.

So …

Garlic mashed potatoes?

Sweet potato casserole?

Stuffing?

Dessert?

Me? I’m all about stuffing and gravy, the taste of savoury (an integral part of any good stuffing) and gravy made from the bottom of the roasting pan.

Doesn’t get much better than that does it?

We’ve never been what you’d call an adventuresome dining family at the holidays and that’s quite fine with me. No deep-fried turkey (pretty much a guarantee of a four-alarm, holiday-ruining blaze I’d suspect) and nothing out of the ordinary.

Just quiet times with loved ones, you know what to expect and it seldom varies too much and I’m all for that.

How about you?

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All right.

One more quick trip to Niagara Falls for a visit, a very little bit of last-minute running around to do, wrapping, packing for the road trip and then a search for It’s A Wonderful Life somewhere on the dial to watch this evening.

 

 

 

Comments

[Michal]

Merry Christmas Doug to You and Your Family.

Blogger's note: Thank you and the same to you and yours

[Doug]

Hi Doug,

Thought I'd save you the trouble, Its a Wonderful Life is on at 8pm on CTV. Scrooge is also an enjoyable classic on the same time on CBC. I agree with you on the stuffing, but I'm also a big turkey fan, and the turkey sandwiches with the leftovers just keep the good times rolling.

Have a great holiday!

Blogger's note: Much appreciated

[Ken L]

A very Merry Christmas to you and your family Doug. Safe travels.

Blogger's note: Many thanks, and Merry Christmas

[Juan]

That's a bir of a drag about your travel tomorrow Doug. Life on the road is never as luxurious as people imagine it to be and it's tougher on special occassions and holidays. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Blogger's note: Thanks, and the same to you and yours

[Lorie]

Good Morning, Doug!
As I sit here in the early Christmas Eve morning darkness, just before beginning the chopping of the onions, the cubing of the day-old bread and the annual searching for those wee jars of sage, rosemary and thyme hiding at the back of the spice cupboard I'd like to wish you and Super Family a very Merry Christmas. And Happy Holidays to all other Irregulars and Non-Irregulars who make this the delightful place it is. I, too, wish we could take a step 'back' to the days when stores didn't open Boxing Day, when the big thing on the TV was the Queen's Message (apparently in 3D this year - so really big!!??) and the world just seemed to take a pause, put its feet up and wait for company to arrive for the Big Dinner. Anyway, some quiet traditions continue around here - before the Day Of Die Hard Watching begins, there's always the 1947 version of "The Bishop's Wife" to enjoy - did anyone else catch it on TCM last night? Splendid. The Merry-est Christmas ever, to you and yours, Doug. Safe travels and thanks, as always, for all you do for us all year round.

Blogger's note: And a Merry Christmas to you and yours as well

[Juan]

That should have been 'bit' rather than 'bir', but in some language perhaps that is how 'beer' is spelled. Enjoy a cold one tomorrow in Texas!

[Gerry Tanner]

I am not religious at all, but AMEN to your wish for Christmas. We need at least one "nothing but family day" in the year. Christmas seems a good time
to have it before winter really sets in.

Gerry T.

Blogger's note: Thanks; Merry Christmas

[Ian W.]

Hey Doug, Mmmmmmm...savoury...don't really see the point of stuffing/dressing without it. But, I guess you can take the boy out of Newfoundland... Now you've got me craving that Newfie fast food standard of fries, dressing, and gravy. If the Raps made that the 100-point reward, they might have me clamouring for that ill-advised Aaron Grey 3-point shot ;0), Otherwise, I'd say we need to keep some class in the game!

Doug, Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Blogger's note: Enjoy The Rock; Merry Christmas

[John M.]

Doug,
Thanks once again for your hard work on the Raptors blog and thanks for making it more than that... life lessons, a music forum, the good and the bad, news about your family and mother Star and many other things. I know it is an important part of my reading day! I know the paywall thingy is coming and I dread it as I can't afford to pay for them all and will have to support the local paper first.

Peace and joy to you and your family for a great Christmas season.

Blogger's note: And Merry Christmas to you, as well

[AT]

I disagree ... nothing wrong with the free slice or free burger promo...

nowadays with the "tip off brought to you by...(insert sponsor name here)....delivery of the game brought to you by...(insert sponsor name here)..this quarter brought to you by...(insert sponsor name here) etc.
One extra promo at the end of the game is not going to bastardize the game in anyway and if everyone is on the same page and a player hoists one up with a couple seconds left, no one is going to get their shorts in a knot.

Coaches are mandated to give interviews during games (but only TWO questions, Charles)

"20 second time outs" become 2 minute time outs during playoffs to squeeze in more commercials.

To your point.. wall to wall games on the holiest of days for the almighty tv
revenue....

Really.... what is the big deal to give the fans one extra little piece of fun????
And if you listen to the cheering of the games down the stretch.... fans do not think the pizza/burger is more important than the win.

Doug, anyway your crack research department could call up the sponsor and see how much of the prize is actually redeemed? That would probably give a good indication of how much people really care about the promo. I think it is probably more about having one more thing to cheer about at the end of the game than anything else.

[coachd]

Hi Doug,

Ding!Ding!Ding! (not sure if an Irregular can ding)You have hit the nail on the head. From 5:00pm on the 24th to noon on the 26th is family time for me. Here's wishing you and all the Irregulars a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

Blogger's note: Enjoy your family time; Merry Christmas

[Brad B]

Try Swedish Mashed Potatoes, Doug:

Boil 10 lbs of peeled potatoes
Add a Tub of Sour Cream
Add a Brick of Cream Cheese.
Mash together.
Sprinkle with Paprika
Garnish with Parsley.
Serve

[Matthieu]

Hi Doug!

We've known you less grumpy on Xmas eve ;)... oh well, I totally understand that the fact to have to travel tomorrow is an absolute downer!

Anyway re Christmas meal here: this evening big chunks of beacon grilled in the fire place (even though it's like 16° C in this neck of the wood) accompagnied by chestnuts.

Tomorrow a classical pork ham.

Merry Christmas to you and Super Familly and the same to all the Irregulars!

Blogger's note: And to you and yours, as well

[Tim H.]

I knew it! I just knew that I couldn't be the only person who would gladly make a meal of stuffing and gravy, leaving all the other 'parts' to others!

Merry Christmas to all of the Irregulars, and especially to you Doug, and to Super Family! I can only hope that the flight-shortened day with them is filled with all that is good!

Blogger's note: Many thanks. And a Merry Christmas to you

[Steph]

Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the night
This scribe was not working
To busy packing for a flight

The airports are busy
The travellers impatient and rushed
But the scribe is wondering
It things at home are hushed

The game that’s upcoming
Means nothing to most
The players just wanting
To have it over too play host

The officials will work and travel
With young families at home too
And their kids will be watching
But the fans will still boo

All the writers will travel
Maybe with another in tow
But the night will be lonely
Not even two Stellas can help

So what does it mean
To be so far from home
On a night so special
Yet so meaningless to

A burger, pizza or taco
Is all some fans will get
A pointless gesture
That everybody will forget

The scribe loves his job
But it’s not all fun and games
Most regulars appreciate it
And that’s why next year I’ll do the same.

Blogger's note: Classic! Thanks. Merry Christmas

[Sharkey]

Doug, I'll tell you what: I'm an young aspiring Jewish sports journalist, so I don't really care about missing Christmas. I'll take your San Antonio assignment tomorrow. Ask your bosses!

Hope you have a good Christmas.

Blogger's note: Mazel Tov. And best of the holidays

[David in Oakville]

Good Morning Doug,

The Gravy and Stuffing? You are an enigmatic fellow. I have no quarrel with what you say about the gravy and the stuffing.. but saying that you are about the gravy and the stuffing strikes me a little like saying your are about the mustard and relish and not the hotdog. Or about the stockings and the pearl necklace and not the lovely lady wearing them. Very interesting I think.
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One of the great things about Toronto is the number of different Christmas traditions to be sampled (but not Christmas day basketball).

Several seasons ago, Cineplex brought back It's A Wonderful Life to the theatre (original B/W version thankfully). Amazing to see this movie on the big screen.

Two years ago we saw The Nutcracker at the Sony Centre - everyone should see this at least once, the building itself is quite remarkable.

Last year we spent a pre-Christmas wintery evening with Stuart McLean and his Vinyl Cafe in Hamilton - very soulful, especially if you are like me and get chills whenever you hear the "Morningside" theme song.

On Saturday we went to the Distillery District to see SoulPepper's production of A Christmas Carol. It was magical what they accomplished with the most spartan of sets and tremendous acting all round. If you have a chance to see this, definitely you should, even if you are not a fan of live theatre. You will leave with a happy heart and the spirit of the season.
+
Safe travels.

Please wish the best of the season to Eric and Paul... their radio broadcasts have kept me company in the office working late or in the kitchen cooking many times over the past seasons and I have never had a chance to thank them.

Seasons Greetings irregulars and all... GO RAPS!

Merry Christmas Doug. Best Wishes for you and SuperFamily.

Blogger's note: Thanks so much, and Merry Christmas

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Merry Christmas, Irregulars! Merry Christmas, Doug!
Cheers. Go wrap! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1LUXQWzCno

Blogger's note: Ho ho ho. Merry Christmas

[Shaun]

Merry Christmas to you and your family Doug, and safe travels.

Here's hoping for a great 2013 to you, the Raptors and all of the Irregulars too.

Cheers,

Shaun

Blogger's note: And a Merry Christmas to you

[DaveB]

I like the idea of rewarding end of game prizes for defense. Say if the opposing team scores less than 85 points the fans get food. This takes the last shot for the home team out of the question.

Ah turkey. for ne you can throw away all the breast meat. I only like the dark meat.

An irregular had mentioned that Super wife was from the Rock and I know that you spent with The Telegram. Having savory in the stuffing does confirm a connection to the Rock. My favourite part of Christmas dinner is Pease pudding and gravy. Obviously the pease pudding and vegetables have to be cooked with salt beef. And I am preparing some Fish 'n Brewis ofr dinner today.

I am sorry you have to travel tomorrow. I hope you enjoy today and a part of tomorrow with your family. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Safe travels.

Blogger's note: Many thanks and Merry Christmas to you and yours

[DaveB]

Sorry for all the typos, my eyesight is not great.

[Eric-in-NS]

[Apologies if this is a duplicate message. I hit a key to submit and went to another page altogether.]

Thank you, Doug, for all you do for me, my wife and other basketball fans to keep us interested, informed and engaged throughout the year on an amazingly daily basis.

All the best to you and your family -- as your job allows -- this holiday season.

P. S. Christmas is still a very quiet day here in Nova Scotia. However, if you come here to experience it some year, you will need to remember to plan for the day in advance. No running out to this or that store for this or that item -- or possibly even to grab a fast food meal. It's almost cold ... um turkey as far as commerce is concerned!

Blogger's note: I will definitely plan; and Merry Christmas

[Gary Mugford]

Doug,

Might I proffer an alternative to the 100 points for food? Well, beyond having the team donate 100 pounds of food to shelters around town ... leading to chants of "Feed the People!," but that's just transfering responsibility for passing along the largesse to the less fortunate that you have been suggesting for years. No, let the promotion be for home winning streaks. Any time the home team wins a second (or more) consecutive game at home, the feed bags are on thanks to the contributing sponsor. Win-Win, literally.

Merry Christas to you and yours, Doug. Have a safe trip south of the border tomorrow.

Blogger's note: Thanks and Merry Christmas

[Striker 77]

Hi Doug,

Its been a long time since Ive added to the comments, but I am still a daily reader...

I too have to work through the Christmas Eve, and Christmas day (as a church musician) and I know how it is to be away from your family for even just a few hours on these special days. Its not easy, but I always try to make the best of every minute I have with my wife and my children, as I am sure you do as well.

Doug, Merry Christmas buddy, to you and yours. Safe travels...

Blogger's note: Thanks, and best Christmas wishes

[Rob]

Yes its tough on a family to have a job that requires travel on holidays, christmas in particular. I am in a line of work that requires this as well, as we update company software networks and it must be scheduled during work downtimes to lesson disruptions.

But i admit i LOVE the xmas NBA games. The NBA is essentially in the entertainment business, and as such they have to cater to their customers and when they are home. So i don't feel 'sorry' for those working in that business, there are plenty of huge perks to make up for it.....like 5 months vacation......(not you i realize, but the players)

Happy Holidays!!!

PS Saw two elderly men get in a shoving match as they were trying to leave the church service parking lot LOL