“Jim Carrey’s Scrooge is collecting holiday donations from movie fans with a $31 million opening weekend to take the No. 1 spot with his new take on ‘A Christmas Carol.’

The Disney animated version of the Charles Dickens classic features Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge and as all three Christmas ghosts that show Scrooge the error of his miserly ways.” Link

“In a bizarre Christmas Eve rampage, a 45-year-old man in a Santa Claus outfit showed up at a party in a Los Angeles suburb and opened fire at a group of revelers, killing three people and injuring at least three others, including two children, the police said on Thursday. The shooting, which may have been prompted by a marital dispute, occurred just before midnight Wednesday at a two-story home on a cul de sac in Covina, a small town about 22 miles east of Los Angeles.” [Link]

“An anonymous donor has come through again for the Salvation Army, dropping five cashier’s checks for $10,000 each into kettles at the city’s two Wal-Mart stores. It’s the fifth straight year someone has given $50,000 to the Salvation Army’s annual holiday fundraiser without taking credit for the generous gesture.” [Link]

“From flagship department stores to main street shops, consumers found extended hours — in some places, around-the-clock shopping — and even some extra-cheery customer service as merchants hope to salvage one of the worst shopping seasons in decades, brought on by the recession and growing economic uncertainty. ‘They’re really trying to get you in there,’ said Raleigh, N.C., resident Kim Rardon, who was surprised by the price cuts she saw while searching for gifts on Saturday at Crabtree Valley Mall in north Raleigh.” [Link]

“The Christmas-New Year’s period produces a year-high spike in sexual activity and conceptions in the United States, according to biorhythm researchers and makers of sex-related products. They attribute the increase to holiday leisure and New Year’s resolutions to have children. New Year’s irresolution fueled by alcohol and partying is another contributing factor.” [Link]

“According to the Manatee County sheriff’s report, 37-year-old Thomas Edward Lackie was arrested last week after he threw a 3-foot Christmas tree at his father. The tree missed, but Lackie then tried to use the steel base from the tree to strike his father.” [Link]

“The pop princess will be participating in the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in NYC! According to OK! Magazine, Brit will be in NYC on December 3rd for the special event. There’s no word on whether or not she’ll be performing at the ceremony.” [Link]