Help me. I'm overdosing on Christmas shows and Christmas music.

It occurred to my snarky self while watching our annual edition of "It's A Wonderful Life" that not all of the stimuli that my children are eagerly taking in gives them the best ideas about the "reason for the season." I mean, George Bailey's financial situation is making him consider suicide--leaving a widow and young children with the same bills and no real opportunity for income (how many women in those days worked?). Why did I just let my kids watch the wild imaginings of a suicidal man? That's some serious Christmas cheer.

Then I happened upon this site, and they articulated so well exactly what I was thinking:

Movie: The Polar Express (2004)
Bad Lesson: If You’re a Minor and a Stranger Offers You a Ride, You Should Probably Say “Yes”

Movie: The Santa Clause (1994)
Bad Lesson: If You Kill Santa Claus, You Will Become Santa Claus

Movie: A Christmas Carol (1951)
Bad Lesson: People Will Like You Instantly If You Give Them Money

Movie: Home Alone (1990)
Bad Lesson: People in the Chicago Suburbs Never Call the Police for Any Reason Whatsoever

Movie: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Bad Lesson: Sometimes Chevy Chase Makes Good Movies

Movie: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Bad Lesson: If People Were Mean to You as a Kid, That Excuses ANY Malicious Criminal Behavior You Might Commit When You’re an Adult

Movie: It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Bad Lesson: If You’re in Need of a Moment of Clarity – Why Not Give Suicide a Try?

Movie: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Bad Lesson: If Enough People Say Something Is True, Eventually, It Becomes True

Movie: A Christmas Story (1983)
Bad Lesson: Toy Safety Warnings are Pointless and Should Be Disregarded Immediately

Can you think of any other bad lessons from the Christmas staples?

From the wonderful artist Zina Saunders (click here for larger):

"Double, double, toil and trouble," chant Michele Bachmann, Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh as they stir up the pot against health care reform.

A few incantations from the trio's trick or treat bag: Congresswoman Bachmann says sex clinics will result from Health Care Reform, Ann Coulter says Obama's plan encourages assisted suicide for the elderly, and Rush Limbaugh says Obama's health care plan is right out of Hitler's playbook.

Boo!

Open thread below and John Amato has a World Series thread going as well...

January 29, 2009 PBS News Hour