I remember when overseas hotels charged a fortune for phone calls. They used to add on their own 'connection fee' even when locals calls were free. I phoned the UK for 3 minutes from Chicago and it cost me $30 about 20 years ago.
Christmas was really special. Soda syphon and tins of tomato juice, tonic and ginger beer on a small table decorated with a basket of nuts, tangerines and dates in a box. (with a fork)