Arlo and Janis by Jimmy Johnson for December 16, 2023

Actually cheerfully wealthy.

I’m just an older Arlo, I always measured time by how long it was until Christmas. My wife is who has kept me just a little bit level headed.

Ah, to swim through cash in a giant money bin and toss coins on one’s head! (Thank you, Carl Barks!)

Actually, Scrooge McDuck did in fact make his debut in a Christmas story, “Christmas on Bear Mountain”. He was intended to be a one-time character, which is why he was named for Ebeneezer Scrooge, but he was so popular that he became a recurring character, with his own series, in stories that had no relation to his Dickensian inspiration.

McDuck had a tower full of money.

To escape the commercialism, turn off the TV.

I used to enjoy the Christmas season, but I began to change when I was about 17.

Some time ago, I finally decided that the only thing that Scrooge did wrong was change.

Yeah, I’ve become pretty dark.

“Bah, Hype-Bug!”

Last Christmas was a tough time for me. During the year I had had bladder cancer, a colonoscopy that required a bit of surgery, a bout with Covid that I have to wonder how long it really lasted, and then right a Christmas I had bronchitis. I can honestly say I have never been weaker than I was then…..and I was on my own. If I had caught the flu I had no reserves and I’m sure I would have died. Okay……..This year I’m doing great and feeling healthy. Life is Good! I’m cancer free and looking forward to enjoying the holidays. The expression “I’m Rich but I have no money!” fits me to a T. My mother always said “If you have your health you have everything!” and she was so right. I’m 72 tomorrow and feeling great. Happy Holidays everyone!:-)

Arlo had a hot chocolate toddy when he was a kid…

I love this season and it has absolutely nothing to do with any material gifts……

odd reference?

All is well after a hot toddy………

Hot Toddy = warm hands for a Hot Teddy!

Please don’t imagine that you remember a time before the Christmas hype and commercialism. There’s a letter written 500 years ago at the court of King Henry VIII from a man complaining about the high cost of buying gifts during the Christmas season.

Most of us don’t have to let the holidays be overwhelmed by capitalism. Turn off the TV. Put your phone down. Enjoy the time with family and friends.

For those who work in retail… sorry. And thank you for all you do this time of year.

1st panel, I’m thinking of “I’ll capture your heart” from Holiday Inn.