The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

I don't know if it's due to me growing up or if it's actually the truth, but Christmas seems to be getting less and less exciting each and every year. It was the most exciting when we were kids. We'd leave milk and a cookie on the table for Santa when he stopped by. We swore that we'd wait up all night to see him. The next morning, we were amazed at all the presents that suddenly appeared beneath the tree. By and large, we were also very impressed by Santa's knowledge of our wants. There were always exceptions, though. Santa did have a slight case of 'sometimers' disease, I like to call it. But then we found out the truth to the story and lost a bit of that childish naiveté and excitement for the holiday. But I remained excited for every December 25th up until I was about 15 years old. I liked the opening-presents aspect of Christmas and looking into my stocking only to find my favorite candies and chocolates. But ever since I was 15, the Christmas...