So, I suppose since we are finishing our Christmas edition, I should, at some point, start Christmas shopping. Luckily, I’m pretty good at working efficiently, so I can probably get most of it done in a solid afternoon or two! Are you ready? I hope I’m not the only one struggling to get everything done!

I am so excited to announce the winners of the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships Christmas Coloring Contest! It was no easy task judging all the amazing entries that were submitted this year. Tiramisu, Marzipan and Chestnut were all great helps in getting all the entries sorted, filed and judged. I did have to pull in some outside help in judging, just to make sure we picked the best of the best! With over 400 entries to filter down to 30 winners, it was not an easy process. So many, were so good — it was hard to choose!

Thank you to everyone who put in such incredible effort in their coloring. I’m fairly sure it will be April before all the glitter is gone, but it’s totally worth it! I am always amazed at the work and creativity that the kids put into their entries each year. It’s also interesting to see all of the kids that enter year after year. I know I was missing a couple of entries this year of kids that I have watched come up through the age groups until aging out of the contest!

I have to also thank all of the amazing local businesses that are kind enough to pony up prizes for the kiddos too! So THANK YOU to Liberty Arena, English Model Railroad, Elery Nau, Hooplas, Treasure Castle Playland, Harder Sporting Goods, AMC Theaters, Dairy Queen, Gustonian Gifts and Faxon Bowling! We couldn’t do this without you!

Below are the first place winners in each age group. Congrats to Ben Gusick (4 and under), Ariel Hall (5-7), and Kendall McEwen (8-10), y’all did a fabulous job!

I hope that all of you have the Merriest of Christmases. Hopefully Santa will bring you lots of goodies and make your holiday bright.