In a clear sign of the trying times, it is being reported that many companies have replaced the once ubiquitous “Christmas Bonus” check this holiday season with a “Christmas Not-Getting-Laid-Off” note. The most innovative of these companies presented the notes in new “Help those poor suckers who got fired carry their stuff to the car” Pot luck events, which replaced the more traditional “Christmas party”. On the upside, reports indicate that Henry Paulson is considering accepting these not-getting-laid-off notes as collateral for newly issued debt from the treasury. The hope is that this new round of spending stimulus can help clear up the situation before the economy drifts into what could be a very, very confusing April Fool’s day.