I was going to post my own thoughts about this earlier, as it just seemed to dovetail with the myriad explosions heard and witnessed in Iraq. Well, Edward Wong reporting for the NYT echoes my somber sentiment. That sentiment being that the additional daily activity of the iraqi 'insurgents' might well be related to the fact that Dec. 25 is a major Christian holiday. A symbolic show of force that is magnified because of the significance placed on a calendar date. A bit here:

3 GIs and 6 Iraqis killed -- Holiday-timed bombings hit around nation

By EDWARD WONG

New York Times

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- As coalition soldiers began celebrating Christmas Eve, guerrilla fighters mounted a number of bomb attacks, killing at least three U.S. soldiers and six Iraqi civilians and wounding dozens of people, military and government officials said.

Wednesday's attacks, perhaps timed to undermine the Christian holiday, underscored the tenuous security situation in Iraq and showed insurgents are still coordinating deadly strikes despite the Dec. 13 capture of Saddam Hussein.

The Coalition Provisional Authority, the U.S.-led group that administers Iraq, warned staff Wednesday there were signs fighters planned attacks to "demonstrate that they are still a significant force." It urged workers to be especially vigilant over the next 10 days.

Security fears were also evident among Iraqi Christians, who make up 4 percent of Iraq's 25 million population, as churches throughout Baghdad held traditional midnight Mass in the afternoon. GIs attended some of those observances, putting down their rifles and helmets to pray while priests delivered sermons on the urgent need for world peace. The rest of the story.

I think that this will put to rest any notions the Saddam was orchestrating events from his 'spider-hole.' It also underscores the likelihood that the 'insurgents' are indeed a significant force. May you and yours find peace throughout the remainder of the holiday season.