I hate Christmas. Years of working retail did in what spirit I had. We celebrate in July.

However, every year at this time I get out my copy of 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.' I laugh all over again. I usually read it more than once. BTW the movie doesn't begin to do it justice.

You have a group of young siblings headed straight for juvie who go to church after hearing they can get food there. They have never been nor do they have a clue about religion. They also show up for the casting for the Christmas pageant and snag all the lead roles. None of the other kids oppose them for the roles because they know the Herdman's will get them somehow.

While there are some gentle moments, the book isn't sugary and maudlin. It is snarky and hilarious. I have never looked at the Christmas story the same way again.

Please don't start a theological battle over the facts of the story or religion in general. I like the book regardless of my beliefs because it puts such a different spin on Christmas. Whether I believe it or consider it a myth, it's still a hoot.

So off I go to visit again with the gang and feel like there is some redeeming value in the tale beyond all the crap surrounding it from all sides.