"Now That's a Gift!" - December 24, 2021

[Meg]

Late start. Lovely, seasonal puzzle. I’m on the beach. The cabana boy has a few days off to be with family.

[Prozach]

On shore.

[MajordomoTom]

Page three, wow, this beach is going to get crowded this weekend.

Time to start digging the pit for the Kailua pig roast.

PARTY IS ON!

(Yes, solved, 100%)

[LittleGood]

On shore. Nice easy swim this week. Merry Christmas!

[Thurman8er]

I must be on vacation...on the beach on a Thursday afternoon!

[Cindy]

Just started the puzzle. Hope to post “solved” soon.

The table has been reset for Christmas dinner. And here is the menu for the foodie muggles.

Apps
Christmas tree garlic bread with honey roasted cherry tomatoes
Whipped feta
Warm olives and shallots with herbs and citrus
Pate



Beef tenderloin with wild mushroom peppercorn sauce
Prime rib with creamy horseradish
Grand central oyster pan roast
Rick’s famous mashed potatoes
Cranberry glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy prosciutto
Southern corn pudding
Savory sweet potatoes with sage pecans
Green beans with shallots

Red velvet cake
Hazelnut cheesecake with chocolate ganache

[TeaJenny]

Ashore!

Gluhwein, bitta.

[Dannyvee]

Ashore!
Happy Holidays, all!

[Richard]

On the beach!

Hope everyone stays healthy and has a happy holiday.

[M and M]

We had a lot of fun with this. We are very glad to finish it instead of spending all of the busy upcoming weekend on it! See you on the beach on Christmas Island.

[HeadinHome]

Okay - I have a no-way-it’s-coincidence answer but fail to see what it has to do with the puzzle title. Anybody else??

Update: Boharr has enlightened me. Funny that I had not made the association, given a former career I had.
And - because of that same former career/knowledge, I had trouble finding one of the pieces. The one that I think is intended to be used violates the pattern, or the rules, or some such. But it’s Christmas so okay.

Currently enjoying a Marsden lager. Cheers and Merry Christmas friends!!

[Omnibus]

Made it to shore, after a rip tide pulled me away briefly. Sipping something seasonal and will be open to pms tonight if you see my light on. Merry Christmas, Muggles!

[Shirley]

Ashore!! Merry Christmas to all of you!

[regfish7]

Ashore after the puzzle delay (mom and I were worried!). Time for some mulled wine!

[Ergcat]

On shore🏖

Fun solve with my daughter, Regfish7! Now let the festivities begin! and a Christmas movie marathon tonight!

[sharkicicles]

Nice relaxing one for the holidays... and now I can concentrate on preparing Saturday dinner. Happy holidays to all!

[RDaleHall]

Yes! On the shore and celebrating! A Great Lakes Burning River in hand after the family trip to Cleveland and a trip to The Christmas Story house. All please enjoy your time with friends and family this week. Christmas(Ale)Time is Here

[Eric Porter]

On shore.

Nice puzzle that's not too hard, though I admit I didn't see it immediately.
Merry Christmas!

[Jeremy Smith]

Finally onshore. Tried too hard to apply a different mechanism to the pieces, but only got gibberish. Then I realized there was another step. From there it was a quick trip to shore.
I’ll be cooking tomorrow, so I don’t know how much time I’ll have for Matt’s week 4 meta. The menu is nowhere near elaborate as Cindy’s, but I’m only cooking for my wife and one of my sisters. I’ll be cooking for eight on New Year’s eve, though.

Tomorrow’s menu:
Cajun smoked salmon dip (from scratch)
Garlic roast beef with gravy
Smashed gorgonzola baby red potatoes
Mashed cauliflower
Seasoned green beans
Whatever dessert my sister brings

[hcbirker]

I'll join the foodie club:

Spencer roast with horseradish cream
Creamed spinach
Yorkshire pudding
green salad with poached pears and Gorgonzola

and lots of fudge and cookies!

And can't forget the cranberry mimosas!