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

[Beth C]

Safely ashore. Merry Christmas and good luck Muggles!

[CPJohnson]

Well, I see something that I think is Step 1, but haven't figured out what to do with it. Hopefully sleeping on it will bring it to light.

Funny text auto correct story:
I am the Communion Steward at my church and texted the pastor what he needed me to do to prepare for tomorrow's service. He replied, "I plan to be there around 11am to change parakeets out to white. "
I had to laugh out loud at that.
Some of you will know what he was trying to say. For those who don't know; the fabric hangings on the altar, communion table and pulpit are called paraments. There are different colors for different seasons on the liturgical calendar and white for certain special occasions.
Had to share that with my word nerd friends. I told my husband and he just gave me a blank look.

From my local newspaper this morning: "The explosion occurred near Target, near the access road that runs between the stores and fast-foot restaurants." Some sort of Sonic, I guess, with super-fast delivery.

[ImOnToo]

On shore. 🏖

[mflaminio]

On shore! Thank you for the gift! Happy Holidays to all!

[RichA2]

On shore. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.

[boharr]

There’s a saying attributed to some author (can’t remember who), and it goes something like this: “Writing is easy. I just sit down, stare at the typewriter until little drops of blood appear on my forehead, and then begin to type!” I can relate … … .

This thought/quote has been attributed to many, including Hemingway, but I think the first use may have been by the great sportswriter Red Smith. Asked about his writing a daily column, Smith said, "You simply sit down at the type writer, open your veins, and bleed."

[lbray53]

On shore. Overnight inspiration. The last beer in my Advent Beer Case is a grapefruit IPA from the Deadly Brewing Company. There is a skull on the bottle. How festive! Perhaps I need to find another source for next year.

There is some nice wordplay going on with this puzzle.

[Jarrod]

On Shore. Merry Christmas to all!

[Bob cruise director]

On shore and a good feeling about winning the mug this week.

Have a great holiday season everyone.

[WSJosh]

Ashore! Merry Christmas!

[PeterLeea1a]

After a embarrassingly-long series of fails, ashore this week.

[cbarbee002]

I have what I believe is the answer, but there is just one thing that bothers me.

Update: Ashore with confidence

Oh yes. Typically traditional meal:
Turkey
Sausage stuffing
Red wine
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Cranberry sauce
Red wine
Carrot soufflé
Creamed corn
Red wine
Green beans
Pumpkin pie

Oh yeah, everyone brings a bottle of red!

But…the question is—
Are you cooking it, Chris???

I do the turkey, and help prep most everything else - - said differently, I "do as I'm told".

[michaelm]

On shore.
Are the beach shops open for last minute shopping today?
Hope everyone has safe and happy holidays!

[Kris Zacharias]

On shore. This morning there was a dusting of snow in southeastern PA. Not only are we celebrating Christmas and New Years, but also 6 birthdays in the next 11 days (among the members of our and my husband's brother's families). It all starts today with our younger son's birthday. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all, and Happy Birthday to those for whom such felicitations are relevant!

[rjy]

On shore! Enjoyed the journey, though it did require that I settle down for a long winter’s nap before getting the click. Merry Christmas, muggles!

[Hidden in 3D]

On Shore!

So happy the light bulb went on when it did. Now I can get back to brining my turkey and making my sausage dressing, the latter of which my daughter insists MUST be served with the former. (No one in my family wants the bird to be stuffed, go figure...)

To all you wonderful MUGgle friends: Merry, merry Christmas!

[livpolfan]

Ashore with a Peppermint Mocha Martini.

[Acarl]

Ashore! Was floundering halfway in, but EVJ tossed me a life vest and we swam in together. Eggnog time!

[EVJ]

Ashore on this snowy Friday morning in the mountain west!
Acarl, meta buddy extraordinaire, found our way into the meta!
The cabana boy was good enough to slip into his Ugg’s to trudge over to my corner of the beach, where I’m wrapped in a down comforter, to pour a little Baileys into my morning coffee. What a guy!

[martimeryard]

It's been a while since I've attempted a contest. Do we need to submit our answers to the email now? There isn't a 'submit' link on the puzzle page. Or is there something else I've missed??