Merry Christmas 2023

No tax talk today. On this Dec. 25th, enjoy your traditions however and whatever way you celebrate, or even if you don't!

My annual wish for you and yours is that on this day, and during the whole holiday season, you get whatever you want, or at least what you need.

I'll be back here with a return to taxes tomorrow.

Until then, I'll leave you with a few Christmas movie suggestions if you need a break from your regular festivities.

The notable new ones this year are Eddie Murphy's Netflix streamer "Candy Cane Lane," and Alexander Payne's well-reviewed "The Holdovers," in theaters now and streaming on Peacock on Dec. 29.

And although Hallmark Channel has completed its annual Countdown to Christmas, its many, many holiday movies are still airing.

I have two favorite Christmas movies that I watch every December. They are different in tone and presentation, but each emphasizes the reason for the season.

I fell in love with goofy Buddy when "Elf" premiered 20 years ago — what's your favorite color? — and the movie is still relevant. The cast is great, the comedy is leavened with human (and elf and Santa) emotions, and Will Ferrell's performance is amazingly restrained given the character.

Then there's the classic Charles Dickens tale "A Christmas Carol." My favorite version is the 1984 movie with George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge.