Showbiz Commentary: Heidi Oringer

ByABC News
January 4, 2001, 10:51 AM

Dec. 28 -- Were winding down the holiday season and my wish is that everyone is thriving, or at least surviving.

When I say everyone, I am speaking directly to my fellow Average Joes, whose holiday celebrations could not possibly compare with those of the Hollywood sect. I say this having never been invited to Christmas at a celebs home, although Im sure my invite from Sly Stallone to his Miami compound just got lost in the mail.

Where the Tinsel Is Shinier

So, I spent the day as many fortunate people did, with family (OK, not always a fortunate way to spend holidays) and friends. Too much food was consumed, too many gifts received from the recycling closet. (You know, the gifts you get and keep until theyre outdated then give them to someone else when you need a gift in a hurry.)

Also on the agenda: all-sports television, the 807th showing of Its A Wonderful Life, childrens toys with migraine-causing noises, another slice of the pie you should have passed up the first time around, and finally uncomfortable slumber because youve been put in your cousins bed, only hes 4 and youre 34.

But whats happening where the tinsel is shinier, the grass faker, and the silicone more abundant? What was Christmas like in Hollywood?

For instance, did Kelsey Grammer get packaged mens pajamas in an XXL only to have to stand in line the day after at an exchange counter at Wal-Mart? Did Alec Baldwin smile with glee when he got the High Karate cologne and soap-on-a-rope gift set in his stocking? Did Julia Roberts get her finger pinched shut in her nieces new Barbie scooter? And did Elizabeth Taylor burn the crescent rolls?

Me thinketh not!

Truth is I cant tell you how anyone in Hollywood spent the Christmas holidays and the days following. (Remember my invite got lost in the mail!) I heard tidbits the younger set, i.e., the boys from N Sync and Haley Joel Osment, were tucked safely away with their families. And Im sure a lot of the Hollywood greats were with kin, but Id bet their celebrations went something along the lines of: Cartier! Oh, you shouldnt have! and Felicia, can you bring out another tray of paté for our guests?