We've long been amazed by those who camp out for days to score tickets for concerts and sporting events. And we're astounded by those who show up at malls before the crack of dawn to score holiday shopping bargains. But we're totally pole-axed by an announcement issued by a spokesperson for the Lawry's-run Five Crowns in Corona del Mar down in Orange County encouraging guests to start lining up at 4 AM on Saturday, November 24th, to make a reservation for Christmas Eve dinner at the restaurant.
That's right, 4 AM.
The announcement then went on to explain that reservations could only be made 30 days in advance. And that those who showed up at four in the morning would be served coffee "around 7:30 AM." And that reservations would begin to be taken at 9 AM "alternating between those who call by phone, and those who arrive to make their plans in person… Some have been known to stand in line and call on their cell phone to see which tactic gets the first response."
Others simplify the process by going out for Chinese food on Christmas Eve – instead of Christmas goose, it's Christmas Peking duck for us.
– Merrill Shindler