Who is Santa Claus? In Italy "La Befana" is a good witch who dresses all in black. In the U.S. the Coca Cola Company invented the Santa in red and white robes. The Dutch "Sintirklass" arrives by boat on December 6^th. In China, "Dun Che Lao Ren," or Christmas Old Man, brings gifts to children. In Germany the "Christkind" or Christ Child brings presents while families are in church. In Sweden Santa is a gnome called "Juletomten". In Switzerland the "Christkindl" brings the gifts. In England Father Christmas is a stern version of Santa Claus.

Fireworks, dancing, lots of champagne and promises to do things better next year. Anticipation, celebration, hangover. This essay celebrates the ritual of New Year's Eve. Magnum wishes everybody a happy one.