While the local Carols by Candelight attracted tens of thousands to the lawns of Parliament House, the Cosmos attracted around 1,000 more than their last home game - only to flicker and die before a visiting 'Uncle Scrooge'.
So many times over the years I have watched Canberra NSL teams play 'crucial' home NSL games, when a victory would have meant far more than the points...and this was another opportunity missed.
To be fair, South were the better team, certainly in the first half. Alex Castro cannoned a drive from 5 metres into the crossbar in the 16th minute - when the softest of touches would have been quite sufficient to put Canberra into the lead.
A minute later, Coveny had too much space and time on the right and placed the ball past Smith.
The second stanza seemed to find Cosmos more 'on song' but a second via a Smith drop to Trimboli's feet added a real sour note. This was followed by a pitch invasion from a long-haired SM fan (who looks as though he could have been trying to imitate a member of the 70s band Slade in his appearance). Alan will no doubt know him - but unbelieveably he got away with his misdemeanour.
I was about to search for the proverbial singing 'fat lady' when the Kiwi Brad Scott, who has made a real contribution when he has been played, headed the home side into hope.
Midfielder Andy Ravanello left me wondering what contribution he makes to the Cosmos squad (once again) when his loss of possession led to the third of SM's scoring tenors send their travelling supporters into another aria chant.
Canberra's Angelucci contributed virtually nothing outside of the penalty area - and certainly didn't have the manners or decency (once again) to stand still and not try to distract others during the national anthem.
Maybe I will wake up soon and realise it is just a recurring nightmare, and those bells slowly chiming indicate Santa is stiring, not the prelude to a funeral.
The Cosmos really missed the influence of Marcus Phillips tonight, and will have to sing far better for their supper next time or more than Three Wise Men will find something else to do on Saturday nights, and we Canberrans can all say that we 'Saw a Ship Come Sailing... it left without much mourning!'