A man residing in Scotland contacts his son in London on the eve of Christmas Eve, stating, “I regret to inform you that your mother and I are getting a divorce; after forty-five years of unhappiness, it is time to part ways.”

“Dad, what are you saying?” the son exclaims in disbelief.

“We can no longer tolerate each other’s presence,” the father replies.

“We are tired of one another, and I do not wish to discuss this any further. You need to inform your sister in Leeds,” he adds.

In a state of panic, the son reaches out to his sister, who reacts with outrage.

“There is no way they are getting divorced!” she yells. “I will handle this!”

She promptly calls their father in Scotland and shouts, “You are NOT going through with this divorce. Do not make any decisions until I arrive. I will call my brother back, and we will both be there tomorrow. Until then, do nothing, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?” She then hangs up.

The father ends the call and turns to his wife, saying, “All set! They are coming for Christmas – and they will cover their own expenses.”