What Tom said, except for the part about not really being able to complain.

Black Cat Christmas Eve has fallen off in a pretty serious way.  …

Here’s what Black Cat Christmas Eve is supposed to be. First: the only open bar in town. Second: filled with put-upon Jews and self-pitying Christians. Third: silent, except for paid-for instances of "Fairytale of New York" played via the jukebox. Fourth: characterized by furtive smoking — or, if legislation precludes smoking, plenty of uncomfortable introspective pauses.

The jukebox was out of order. A DJ played rockers-and-mods music. Skinheads played pool. I am set in my ways and this was not Black Cat Jewish Christmas Eve.