On the day after Christmas all through the land
Folks were as busy as a one-man band
Jolly Santa had been there the night before
But now things were being brought back to the store

But wait, alas that might not be true
A new way of shopping did ensue
Instead of the stores where one can say hello
It’s off to the post office or UPS we go

Shopping online is all that does matter
Avoiding long lines and that constant chatter
But returning that stuff that wasn’t quite right
Had Santa upset and shuttering all through the night

What would become of his workforce of toy makers and elves?
If Amazon and Google had all the gifts on their shelves
Not to mention the reindeer that pulled his red sleigh
Perhaps all can find work one day on eBay!
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As the sporting world takes a bit of a respite from its usual routine, I want to pass along my belated wishes for a Merry Christmas and upcoming Happy New Year. In the spirit of full disclosure, I had every intention of doing that very thing in last week’s Webb Weekly, but that well-intended plan hit a bit of a snag. I could avoid what I know will be some deserved ribbing from those aware of my ‘computer savvy skills’ but it won’t be the first time so here goes.

Fully intending to pen a Christmas-themed column complete with sporting references of the local scene, I set aside some quiet time to compile my thoughts. Sometimes when you write something, it may not turn out the way you intended it to be, but this was different. Who knows what you readers may have thought, but I was quite pleased with what I would be sending to print. After proof-reading for errors, I was about to send the completed piece on its way to editor Steph when alas journalistic disaster suddenly struck. Instead of hitting the ‘save’ key my over-zealous fingers plunked themselves on ‘delete’ and into the cloud my column did go. It wasn’t a friendly cloud either as attempts to retrieve same where to no avail.

Kind-hearted Steph offered to give me more time but trying to recreate what I had written left nothing but frustration, which would not have been the Christmas message I had intended to deliver. So go ahead, take your shots, but I can assure you my intentions were merry & bright.

To return this column to somewhat of its usual sporting-theme our family Christmas did indeed include many sports-related packages under the tree. All were much appreciated by their recipients including one gift I had purchased during my pre-Christmas shopping ventures in a store in the fast-disappearing Lycoming Mall.

Approaching the checkout the clerk appeared a bit taken back when I handed over real green American folding currency to pay the tab. She smiled and said ‘that doesn’t happen much anymore.’ For some reason that struck up a conversation and I asked her how business had been. She answered that sales were not as good as in previous years then went on to say they had been in business for thirty years and had some very good years and wonderful memories. She added ‘times were changing,’ and they would be closing in January but hoped to return next fall for the Christmas season.

As our conversation continued I told her of my preference for store shopping where I could see, feel and try on the merchandise rather than waiting for its arrival and what I considered ‘the hassle’ of mailing back those things that did turn out just right. She smiled and confessed, “I shop online a lot. I just don’t have the time.” Yes indeed, those times are a changing!

So enjoy these days off that these holidays offer
If you party too hard please get a chauffeur
Take time to enjoy and don’t be a boob
Remember, your actions could end up on YouTube

As the calendar flips to two thousand nineteen
Make sure at a sporting event you will be seen
Those athletes appreciate your support and loud cheer
From me to you — have a Happy New Year!