Drunk, Angry & Violent: Charlie Sheen's Xmas

What is is about the Holiday season that brings out the best and worst in familial relationships, huh?

Everything can be going fine, the presents wrapped, the stockings hung, little ones gnawing on candy canes, old papa asleep on the couch with his Kindle.

And then, BOOM. Somebody goes ballistic. Adults become children. Fighting words, fists, and sometimes rolling pins are tossed about and a phone call is made. Are Apologies Enough After Domestic Abuse?

If you haven't heard, Charlie Sheen was arrested on felony domestic violence charges and taken into custody just before noon on Christmas Day after police responded to a "help me, he's coming at me with a knife" 911 call.

Booked under his real name, Carlos Irwin Estevez, the 44-year-old actor — who is wed to Brooke Mueller — was placed under arrest for second-degree assault, felony menacing and a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief, according to the Pitkin County Sheriff's Department. Us Weekly

Sources say alcohol was a factor.

Although still-wife Brooke Muller has now recounted most of her story according to TMZ, apparently this famously booze-imbibing couple were discussing Brooke's party girl ways when something snapped. She went at him, he went at her, physical violence was initiated, a tumble began, he brandished a knife and the police were called. Denise Richards Makes Some Serious Accusations Against Charlie Sheen

Yes, Charlie Sheen has a history of domestic violence. As HollywoodLife.com points out, in 1996 he pleaded "no contest" to tossing about adult film actress Brittany Ashland, which landed him a year suspension sentence, two years probation and a fine of $2,800.

However, as a rep for Sheen has said (and as this CelebLover can personally sympatihize with after her own sibling spat): "Do not be misled by appearance. Appearance and reality can be as different as night and day. It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion."