We're darned pleased that the recent news of Activision merging with Vivendi Games to become Activision Blizzard hasn't dampened the Holidays' spirit over at WoW developer, Blizzard. No 'Bah humbugs' from that quarter. In fact there are even some new and festively be-cuted new elements for the world's most popular online elf meeting place. Yes, to the probable chagrin of Christian fundamentalists the world over, WoW's 'Feast of Winter Veil 2007' has come. And yes, we all know that it's merely a thinly disguised 'The Holidays'. We're clever that way.

Oh, we're also deciding to call it 'The Holidays' because it appeals to the honest, atheistic consumer in us. Enough about us and the New Games Journalism that is causing such a fuss, and onto the World of Warcraft cuteness.

Below is what Vivendi tells us that you can expect from this sinful online bash. You can find out more over at the suspiciuosuly Xmassey Wow Europe site...
here.

New WoW Features for Crimble:

- The Preserved Holly that players can get from completing special holiday quests can now be used on flying mounts. This will temporarily turn their flying mount into a flying reindeer that trails sparkles as it flies through the air

- Handful of Snowflakes – this is a new item you can obtain by /kiss –ing a Winter Reveler NPC. It will create a light snowfall above any targeted player.

- Burning Crusade Holiday Bosses – as in past years, certain bosses will be dressed in a festive fashion and will drop seasonal hats when defeated. The holiday versions of the bosses will begin on Dec. 25 and end on Jan. 2. These bosses include:

Grand Warlock Netherkurse (Shattered Halls)
Grandmaster Vorpil (Shadow Labyrinth)
Exarch Maladaar (Auchenai Crypts)
Captain Skarloc (Durnholde Keep)
Nethermancer Sepethrea (Mechanar)
High Botanists Freywinn (Botanica)

- Mechanotoy – This is a new gift that can be obtained from under the Winter Veil tree in Ironforge and Orgrimmar. It lets you summon a Mechanotoy non-combat pet to follow you around.