DAE ES SALAAM, Dec. 28 -- THERE is no season I fear more than the festive season, especially Christmas.

And let me make this very clear before theologians start sharpening their pens: I have absolutely nothing personal against the gentleman from Galilee. Jesus and I are cool.

My problem is not with the Messiah, my problem is with Christmas itself.

Too many expectations, too many expenses and too many unnecessary family meetings that always end with someone threatening someone else with kitchen equipment.

If I had my way, Christmas should be held once every ten years, like a census.

That way, by the time it comes again, we would have forgotten the pain of the previous one and maybe even saved some money.

Unfortunately, Christmas is s...