Oh, snowflakes and magic, this has been one crazy season. I just wanted to say to all of you elves that you have done something wonderful. You helped me back on my path and I am forever grateful.

This is it for me until next Christmas season. Me and the Mrs. have been laying low the past week and now we will be off on vacation for a while.

So, from the two of us, and all of us here in the North Pole, have a Happy New Year. Be safe and happy and healthy.

Ho ho ho!

I certainly do not understand why all of you elves think I should continue with Christmas! Yes, it is lovely that some people enjoy the season, but the naughty letters keep coming! And there are so many of them. I stand by my original declaration: Christmas is canceled!

The tree looks rather nice. And the cookies have been wonderful. I understand that there are many of you who believe that the nice treats and lovely things people have sent me will make me reconsider the cancellation. I admit that it is tempting. I just don't know if I really believe it is the right thing to do. Perhaps if people see a year without Christmas, it will make it better next year.

Well, I still have not decided. It is nice to feel a little happy, though.

Well, little elves, I know you must be thinking that the tree looks pretty good. It is nice to know that a few people have the Christmas Spirit. But a few people having the Spirit is just that: nice. It does not mean that I have changed my mind about canceling Christmas!

Oh, sure, I am missing the excitement of the days leading up to Christmas Eve but not enough to get out there and mess with a holiday that so few people even enjoy anymore!

It is quite extraordinary how I am sitting in my workshop so close to Christmas and not doing anything. Usually, this is the time of year when things get crazy and chaotic. However, it is sort of nice to have all this time to myself.

And while the Tree is bare and Sugar Plum is trying to get my "spirit" back, it looks like she is all alone in that endeavour. None of the other elves who are stuck up here are very happy about it. None of them are even trying. Snickerdoodle has told her that she's fighting a lost cause... If the elves do not have their Christmas Spirit, I do not understand why I must have it.

I am enjoying myself and catching up on a few things I never have time for anymore.