Have you ever noticed that people are funny? It makes no difference what time of the year, people are funny.

Maybe you read the story in the newspapers this time last year about a young Romeo in France who was trying to woo his girlfriend Santa Claus-style. Attempting a surprise visit to his girlfriend while her parents were away, the youth climbed down the chimney of the girl's home. On his way down, he became trapped in the narrow flue and called for help. Firemen, alerted by the girlfriend, said they had to completely destroy the chimney to free the young man. Out of compassion, the newspapers did not publish the young man's name. May I suggest that no one try climbing down a chimney unless your name is Santa Claus.

People are funny. People are also very sad. Think back to the year ju…