At this point, y’all know the story. Yes, I am behind. But look at it this way — it’s only the first week of December, and I’ve got plenty of time. Am I going to use that time wisely and efficiently? Probably not. But that’s fine. This is fine. Everything is fine.

I don’t know how many years I’ve been the prime handler for Christmas, but so far, I’m batting 1.000. It may be the last second, I may end up stressed, I may end up wrapping the last of the presents in the middle of the night, Christmas Eve, but one way or another, I’ll get it done.

Since we’ve started talking about me being behind in my holiday prep, that means it’s time for my yearly reminder. Are you ready? Let’s go…

“Just a reminder to all of you parents out there to be modest with your gifts from ‘Santa.’ Not all parents have a ton of cash to spend on making their kids’ Christmas specials, so it doesn’t make sense to give your kid a PlayStation 5, a bike, and a Steam Deck while his best friend at school gets a new hat and mittens from Santa. Give something small from Santa and make the more expensive presents from you. You can explain the value of money to kids, but you can’t explain Santa’s discrimination to a heartbroken kid.”

As always, I’m not telling you how to spend your money. If you are fortunate enough to be able to give your kids an all-inclusive vacation to a private island, and enough cash to pay for an Hermes bag for Christmas — you do you. But make that stuff from you, not Santa. Remember, YOU did all the work for that stuff; take your credit! Personally, if I’ve done all the work and have the means to buy a kid a private jet, I’d be danged if I’m letting some guy and his little friends take the credit for it.

Let’s remember that the current state of the economy is challenging for many families. The rising prices of everything can make it difficult to give our kids the Christmas they deserve. So, let’s be mindful of this and show empathy towards those who may be less fortunate. After all, Christmas is about spreading love and joy, not about who can give the most expensive gifts.

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about something fun! The Blaise Alexander Christmas Fun Coloring Contest! We are officially in week two! Twinkle Sugarsocks, Merry Peppermintwhirl, and Sprinkle Icicletoes are patiently waiting for the entries to start rolling in. I know once they start, it will be full tilt until the deadline! They are so excited to see what the kids are going to send! They are super stoked to see how the kiddos decorate Santa and all his gifts!

The elves have been taking advantage of the not-so-winter weather and have been out and about exploring the area. I heard that they were spotted at the Festival of Lights in Brandon Park and have been waiting for the official lighting at Candy Cane Lane. I know they have Joy Through the Grove at Knoebel’s on the agenda, too.

This year’s elves seem to be, let’s say — spicy. So if you see them somewhere, it seems like they shouldn’t be, please send them back my way. Jimmy is always around, so he’ll come scoop them up if need be!

All of the details and the coloring page are on pages 18 and 19. The coloring sheet will also be on our Facebook page, so you can print extra copies if you need them!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to do some shopping!