HOLIDAY ODDITIES

LOOKING FOR JOSEPH AND MARY: Looking for a free night's stay in London for Christmas? A British hotel chain is offering couples, whose names are "Mary" and "Joseph" a free night's stay for the holiday. "We are trying to make up for the hotel industry not having any rooms left on Christmas Eve 2004 years ago," said Sandy Leckie, manager of the Travelodge hotel in London's Covent Garden. He added, "Our hotel is definitely more comfortable than a stable. I just hope they don't bring their donkey." And just in case you think you can pull a fast one -- couples will have to produce identification showing their names. (Source - Reuters)

SCARED TO GO THE MALL? You're not alone. Nearly six in ten consumers fear it to some degree, according to a new survey by Discover Financial Services. For many, the task of finding the perfect gift quickly becomes an absolute hassle. The survey revealed that "finding the right gift" ranks among the biggest challenges with holiday shopping. Furthermore, 56 percent of shoppers expect at least one of their gifts will be returned. The rising popularity of gift cards indicates that many shoppers believe nothing is more personal than giving someone a choice. The survey also found that crowds, lines and parking are a major holiday nuisance.