Merry . . . er, Holiday!

Controversy surrounds this year's Xmas (sorry, Holiday) Tree in Toronto's massive Eaton Centre shopping mall. Complaints: It looks more like a parasol than a tree! Why can't we call it a Christmas tree? And other such banalities.

Me? I like it - no fir tree had to die, it's colourful and cheerful and fun. And who cares what the occasion is called? Toronto is a multi-cultural society where not everyone celebrates Christmas . . .

One group's not complaining, though. The business community wants everyone to squander their cash; they don't care what the season is called so long as we all empty our pockets, credit cards and lines of credit into their gaping tills.

Ching, ching!