Tired of trimming trees, wrapping and unwrapping presents 'til it hurts, while enduring endless warm wishes followed by unsolicited, sloppy kisses? Has bah-humbug become your personal mantra, and what you're really dreaming of is a holiday without elves, reindeers on steroids, or a chubby guy dressed in red who thinks he can jump down your chimney with no fear of arrest? (And wants cookies and milk waiting for him!) You are not alone.

In fact, there's a holiday on the books where the only thing you have to bring to the party is that "poor me posture" you've been inflicting on other merrymakers all month.

National Whiner's Day was founded on December 26, 1986. The founder of this sad celebration is Reverend Kevin Zaborney, who lives in Caro, Mich.

Don't be fooled, the good Reverend does have a hidden agenda. He is also the founder of National Hugging Day on January 21 st of each year, and his website reveals the real reason he floated this balloon. It reads, "The purpose of this event is to encourage people to be thankful for what they already have… rather than what they don't have." It appears he believes even the chronic complainer cringes when confronted with his lack of cheer.

But even though his motives may be suspect to the real grinches in the holiday crowd, he does have several tips on how whiners can truly wallow in the season. Zaborney's website includes several ways the down in the mouth crowd can get the most bang for their bad attitude.

• "Visit a shopping mall to observe customers and clerks whining while customers return and exchange gifts.

• Celebrate with a `Whine and Geeze' party with friends.

• Hold a whining contest, offer prizes or exchange unwanted gifts.

• Phone a radio station and whine about people who whine on National Whiner's Day."

Every year the Most Famous Whiners of the Year are chosen after fans of those in a funk are encouraged to nominate the sorriest celebrity that has had the stamina to sob on our national shoulder throughout the past 12 months.

The winners for 2007 have not been announced yet. Last year's winners were Brittney Spears and Rosie O'Donnell for reasons that should be obvious to students of the "poor me" population well publicized in our supermarket tabloids.

Zaborney also has included a list of the ten worst Celebrity Whiners of the 20 th Century on the website and "select" whiners from the last 20 years.

Some notable names are Mike Tyson, Tammy Faye Baker, Martha Stewart, Dennis Rodman and - oh, who cares.

One visit to Zaborney's website will quickly reveal his warm, fuzzy motives. There's no attempt to hide his shameless bias for a positive perspective, and the possibilities inherent in fighting the good fight while keeping your chin up. He encourages those of that ilk to get involved with his efforts to start local clubs that are devoted to community service and yes, hugging as a means to the end of happiness. If you still have some good will to share, visit the Web site www.nationalhuggingday.com .

However even the most devoted, down in the mouth denigrators of the season will have to admit to a little giggle as they read one of Zaborney's recommended whines: "What do you mean no holiday bonus this year - again?"