I trust that Christmas was as happy a day for you as it was for me.

Now let’s begin, and I’ll try to stay out of the penalty box this time:

1. CHARLIE WEIS IS STILL A FRAUD: So Notre Dame beats up on Hawaii 49-21 in some minor bowl and after the big triumph he boasts, “This was a great step forward for us.” My gosh, what has happened to Notre Dame’s standards? If the Fighting Irish had any pride left, they would have been embarrassed by a 6-6 record, and they would have turned down a bowl invitation. And now a win over Hawaii is viewed as Neil Armstrong’s first step onto the surface of the moon? Sheesh. Here’s a question: would Weis even be a head coach, anywhere, without the benefit of the New England Patriots’ cheating tactics? All of that signal stealing of the opposing team’s defense surely helped Weis, the Patriots’ offensive coordinator during the Super Bowl years. Weis makes me say something I thought I’d never say: I miss Lou Holtz.

2. KEITH TKACHUK, PLEASE PICK UP THE WHITE COURTESY PHONE: Ol’ Walt has scored one goal in the month of December, and the Blues are reeling, and he has the gall to take offense when coach Andy Murray rightly mentions Tkachuk’s inadequate effort in Sunday’s loss to Boston? Just when you think it was safe to praise Tkachuk, as I did in a recent “Bits” column, he offers a reminder. It’s not a good idea to do that. C’mon, Tkachuk. Murray has always protected you, except for this one time. Be thankful.

3. MARSHALL FAULK, HEAD COACH OR NOT? I spoke to Faulk on Monday, and he was upset over ESPN reporting that he wanted to be the Rams’ next head coach. Faulk strongly denied it. Then in another interview, he talked in hypothetical terms — of coaching the team if he could have an offensive coordinator such as Mike Martz, and a defensive coordinator such as Wade Phillips. C’mon Marshall.  Hit the hole. If you want to be a candidate for the job, go for it. But don’t run east and west … don’t tiptoe in the backfield. Marshall is trying to have it both ways. DECLARE!

4. THE BEST DAMN CHRISTMAS SONG IS … Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I was reminded of that on Christmas Eve while watching the 1944 classic, “Meet Me in St. Louis.” The poignant song, rolled out for the first time in that film, has (for me) retained its emotional power through subsequent viewings over many years. Judy Garland knocked it out of the park.  Here’s what I love about the song: its realism. This isn’t some phony Christmas card version of life.  The truth is, the holiday season is filled with melancholy for many.  We miss our loved ones who have died, or who have moved away, or who are no longer part of our lives in some meaningful way. And we want to be with them again to share the warmth of a blessed day.  This wonderful song speaks to that longing, but also contains the optimistic hope that soon we’ll all be together. No wonder why “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was so popular with American troops during World War II. It covers the scope of genuine emotions that many feel around Christmas and New Year’s Day.

5. TONY ROMO IS MISTER OCTOBER: When will the Dallas QB win a game that matters? After Romo soiled the carpet at home against Baltimore, the Cowboys desperately need a victory at Philadelphia on Sunday.  Here’s what Romo has done in December games since he began starting late in the 2006 season: 59 % completion rate, 14 TDs, 18 INTs, passer rating of 73.4, nine fumbles (three lost) team record of 5-7.  And the Cowboys are 0-2 in the postseason with Romo as the starter.

I look forward to your responses and rebuttals… thanks.

Bernie