AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE


At this point in the year, even the most dedicated homebody is double-booked with tree-trimmings, office parties, and holiday cocktail hours. We all know how these things go -- you start out politely mixing and mingling, and by about hot toddy #3, some very distinctive personalities begin to emerge:

Mr. Lampshade On My Head
He may be a buttoned-down accountant the rest of the year, but something about the smell of pine, the Trans-Siberian orchestra soundtrack, and that fuzzy angora sweater you (regrettably) wore tonight has inspired him to let loose. As he guzzles spiked cider and transforms from shy-guy to close-talker, you find yourself having to let him down gently, and confiscate his car keys.

Little Miss Charity
This one wants everyone to know about her holier-than-thou holiday efforts. From hanging garland at church, to volunteering at the soup kitchen, to single-handedly filling the entire Toys for Tots bin, no one is more magnanimous than she. She calls it "the spirit of giving." [Insert eye roll here.]

The Over-Enthusiast
The reindeer antlers and the jingle bells are cute at first. It kind of annoys you when he calls vodka "elf juice" and marshmallows "snowman poop." But when he asks if you've been naughty or nice, you think it would be worth being put on the naughty list if it means getting to punch Mr. Christmas in the face.

Alright, guys, what's on your holiday agenda this year, and what personalities keep you entertained through every chestnut-roasting moment?