The following are from the same issue:

"The password for the day is 'Commercialism' - with due respects to Allen Luden, I'd like to attack the password for the day. Season's Greetings, but what season?? Having just finished the trick-or-treat candy yesterday, I'm preparing for today's big Thanksgiving Day Parade, and no doubt within the 48 hours, I'll be reminded that I have only eight more shopping days till Christmas. And best I don't spend all the sheckles, or the green (Hey - Shecky Greene) as I must have some left for the pre-Valentine day sale (couldn't leave the kiddies without the cut-outs!)

I'm really not knocking advertising, believe me, without it I wouldn't have a book for which to write, but 'greeting' the people and trying to figure out how to grab their last buck are two different things. These moola moochers are getting to be too much for me. Several years back Stan Freeburg had a record out called 'Green Christmas' which was barred from a number of radio stations because of screaming advertisers, but the truth hurts, and it hits close to home.

Sure is a good thing the Bunny came along to help us with something commercial for the East season, or it might have otherwise been known only for its holy significance (by the way I think that did precede the egg-rolling contests). Besides, everyone knows rabbits can't lay eggs, so ya' gotta buy 'em. New York provides it citizens with an avenue to parade up and down. All towns aren't that fortunate, so some must resort to a smattering of religion if they want to know how much Mrs. Cartwright went in hock for her Easter bonnet.

Best I mind my manners or you might think the only post I'm acquainted with is 'The Saturday Evening'. In knowing that the greatest failing in conversation is not saying too little, but in saying too much.

Dear Santa - What I want:

• From the TROPICANA a diamond tierra
• one of FREDDIE'S BELLBOYS from the SAHARA
• From the DI gift shop - a painting by Degas
• and a big box of matches from the EL RANCHO VEGAS
• Some jokes from DANNY THOMAS at the DUNES, if you please
• From the FLAMINGO, the style of the great DELLA REESE
• From the DUNES why not some legs like GRABLE'S
• While you're there 'Bring back the mink' from Guys & Dolls if you are able. (Now that I think of it, not to berate) It's not just the trimmin' but what's in 'em that's great)
• Now I'm not an ELVIS or FRANKIE, it's true
• But I COULD use a manager - COLONEL TOM would do
• Above all else, if I had ONE wish and this gift I could receive
• In myself, in God, and my fellowman, 'Please teach me to BELIEVE.' - Allison McKay

A Christmas Note -

Let's smile and be kind - life is so short and most of the way so rough
The times are trying, the road upgrade, and always trouble enough
Yesterday's hurts we'll try to forego - and tomorrow's cares can wait.
Today with diligence let us keep our hearts from the stain of hate
Life is too short for spite and revenge, and paying back wrong for wrong;
Try patience and love and forgiveness, meet slights with a smile and a song
The sad world with all its repining, its bitterness, care and tears,
Needs the wealth of your loving kindness to sweeten the sin-soiled years.
Yes, life is too short to be hateful, or scorning any you meet,
Then strive to be pleasant and gentle, always to smile and be sweet;
For the sunshine of love is needed to warm the world with its light,
And to shed abroad its effulgence to bless humanity's right
And Merry Christmas to U - Al Treccia