you’re roasting chestnuts on an open fire or spreading holiday cheer at the business end of a whip, Christmas is probably the most celebrated holiday in the world. What are some holiday traditions from around the globe?

• Christmas Eve in Venezuela is a one-of-a-kind spectacle of roller skaters. Yes, the tradition of roller boogeying to church on Christmas Eve has become so popular that police close down the streets of downtown Caracas every year on the 24th. Hymns include “Our God is an Awesome God” and “Play That Funky Music, White Boy.”
• A great big bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken has become the traditional Japanese Christmas meal. (We think if we were truly honest with ourselves, we’d probably pick that over figgy pudding). Imagine their carols: “We wish we had gotten wet naps, we wish we had gotten wet naps, we wish we had gotten wet naps, to clean up this grease.” (To the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”)
• In Treasure Island, families whose regular trash day falls on Thursday the 25th and January 1st prepare for the imminent arrival of the twin "Early Trash Days" on Wednesday the 24th and again on Wednesday the 31st. (Sorry, regular Friday trash day people - no change in your pickup ... your December trash holidays will come next year).

The logo pretty much sums it up
Treasure Island cops are cracking down on drunk drivers over the holidays. TIPD Chief Tim Casey says designating a sober driver and never letting friends drive drunk are just two of several simple steps to avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other important tips include:

• Plan ahead: Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
• If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
• Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement by calling 911;
• Wearing your seat belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver.

The City of Treasure Island Police Department reminds everyone that a safe and happy holiday season may rest in their own hands.