The Case for Christmas Eve

It has been a long standing disagreement in my family whether Christmas gifts should be opened on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. This has given rise to emotions and near contention which are unusual for us. Respecting the fact that there are many reasons for doing things both ways, I will make the case for Christmas Eve then, in all fairness, the case for Christmas morning. After that, you decide.

Note: These have been adjusted to reflect a variety of tastes and beliefs. Not all will apply to all families or individuals.

The Case for Christmas Eve:
1. You don't have to wait any longer.
2. You sleep better not anticipating what may or may not be received for Christmas. If your spouse is really upset, the swelling should go down by Christmas morning.
3. You sleep better as you know whether your gifts have or have not been well received.
4. Christmas present opening will not interfere with church services. If one is a Catholic and opens on Christmas Eve, you should be finished well before midnight mass.
5. You won't have small children bouncing on your tummy at 5 AM Christmas morning asking you to get up to open presents.
6. If you have anything electronic that needs over night charging, it will be ready on Christmas morning.
7. If any one is mad at you over what you gave or didn't give them, they should be calmed down by Christmas morning (see #2).
8. If you are returning a gift, you will have all night and all the next day to plot your strategy and develop excuses.
9. There will be no arguments over whether you open presents or eat breakfast first.
10. You don't have to watch the lousy bowl game they put on on Christmas Eve.
11, You can watch one of the great movies ever made, "A Christmas Story," without interruption all day on Christmas Day.
12. You can listen to Christmas music for one last day in 11 months instead of opening presents.
13. (Male only) You have time to watch all those John Wayne war movies you recorded on Veterans Day.
14. (Redneck only) You can go shooting with the AK-47 your wife gave you.
15. (Male only) You have time to go four wheeling with your new Jeep Rubicon, 4in. lift kit, Warn winch, Mickey Thompson tires, CB Radio, iPod dock, etc.
16. Presents which are unwrapped are much less likely to be taken by burglars who may break in overnight.

The reasons for opening presents on Christmas morning:
1. You've been wimped into submission by the rest of your family who have no respect for logical thinking (see 1-16 above) nor give deference to the elderly.
2. IT DOESN'T MATTER! I just love being with them!!! Merry Christmas to all!

Note: Unlike most posts, this has not been edited by my wife. I think you can figure it out.