For a character who probably doesn't like to be reminded of the sentimental part of the holiday season what with his parents being dead and all Batman sure has figured into a lot of Christmas stories over the years. Where does he get those wonderful toys? Probably Santa Claus. Or else Alfred gets paid a lot more than the usual butler's salary. Commissioner Gordon apparently assumed the same about the Dark Knight, lighting the Bat-Signal just to let him know he has the day off. I called you in because Christmas Eve is not a night for you to be out patrolling, Jim says earnestly. Crime and disaster aren't inclined to observe holidays! Batman replies, clearly playing the part of the Grinch in this scenario. Luckily, Commissioner Gordon has already thought that through, being on the forefront of a new form of crimefighting: singing Christmas carols. You've seen that Bruce Wayne learned a lot in his journey to become Batman, honing both his body and his mind. Apparently he also spent a while practising his baritone, since this short story from 1970's Batman #219 sees the Caped Crusader joining the Gotham City Police Department to sing Christmas Carols. And apparently their singing is so adept at spreading Christmas cheer, it actually does manage to cease all crime and disaster in the city for the night. Disappointingly not an ability that's been used all that frequently by the Dark Knight since.
Tom Baker is the Comics Editor at WhatCulture! He's heard all the Doctor Who jokes, but not many about Randall and Hopkirk. He also blogs at http://communibearsilostate.wordpress.com/
