Three films and not once did you see them celebrate Christmas at the Thorn house, did ya? Given how they reacted to birthdays (carnivals, fireworks, hangings), one can only imagine what Christmas would have been like.

No doubt we are to assume they celebrated it, at least in the secular, Santa-y sense of the holiday. They probably even had some overpriced, possibly antique Nativity scene stashed away somewhere that Damien kept “accidentally” knocking over (“Goddammit, Damien, what is it with you and the baby Jesus?”). When they were much younger, were Damien and Mark told to behave themselves as Santa was all-seeing, and Damien—then seemingly more self-aware—think, “Well, I hope that isn’t true.” What were the Thorn holiday traditions? Did they cut down their own tree and decorate it? Put on their filthiest clothes and go caroling on street corners, freaking out cheap gumshoes?

Each year my friend Tovah and I discuss how Christmas (“my” holiday) has lifted its leg all over “hers” (Hanukkah), taking more and more territory. Each year I get angry over the song Christmas Shoes. It’s just the stupidest thing ever, and I can’t believe it exists. I am convinced when asked who wrote it, the song’s composers point to the nearest dog. In the world of music, Christmas Shoes is one big stinky fart that just will not dissipate. Each year my husband almost falls off the ladder and/or house while putting up lights. Each Christmas Day I vow not to say something obnoxious at my in-laws’ house. Each Christmas Night I walk to the car, elbow my husband, saying, “It WAS pretty funny, you know.” Surely, the Thorns would have at least had non-traditional holiday traditions.

When it comes to Omen memorabilia, and all things Omen, fans are a pretty agreeable bunch.  The Omen films were not like Star Wars. There is not endless material to choose from; collectors have learned to take what they can and to just be glad it was there for the taking in the first place. For a brief time I wondered why someone would buy, say, a set of lobby cards that were no different from something else they already had save for maybe one image. But then I clearly recalled buying 70’s music compilations for just one song, knowing full well I already had every other song on the disc. A true collector simply has to have it all, whether it’s pictures or old pop singles.

Unless you’re dealing with a newcomer to the Omen world, they will most likely have all the movies (the remake, too). But The Omen Legacy, a documentary with bonus features (including the often-mentioned The Power and the Devil), would be a nice addition to any fan’s collection. Once aired on AMC back in 2001, this documentary has near legendary status in the Omen world.

Fans with specific interests (cough, cough, JST) might enjoy another film featuring their favorite Omen star. Unless one is a contortionist and reads the Chronicles through the many folds of their own butt-flesh one has figured out that JST is, as they say, as “person of interest”. For the JST fan in your life (and who doesn’t have at least one or two at any given time?), might I suggest the gift of one of his other works (except for Shadey. Shadey is not a gift). For Gregory Peck fans the choices are limitless. Lee Grant was in Valley of the Dolls and the wonderful Defending Your Life (Albert Brooks—need I say more?). For cheeselovers Leo McKern did time on The Blue Lagoon. Ian Hendry starred in the ‘72 classic Tales from the Crypt. There’s a lot out there featuring Sam Neill. I liked Dead Calm.

The Internet (particularly eBay) can be a great source for finding photos, lobby cards, articles, and other rare memorabilia, the likes of which might turn up at conventions were there such a thing for all things Omen.

Best wishes to all during this holiday season and in the coming year. May you be blessed with health, happiness, and one-of-a-kind, limited edition 1976 soundtrack albums that were signed by Jerry Goldsmith.