Preface:

Tonight, I’d set out to write about how my “Christmas Spirit” levels seem to have peaked at the start of December and been steadily dropping. Not that I dislike Christmas, but with everything going on I haven’t been feeling it, you know? More than once I’ve had to remind myself that Christmas is literally only days away. This time of year that’s normally so special and exciting was about to pass me by, so I was going to turn my disenchantment into a punchline, as one does.

Before I get to panel three I have to think about the setup, and so I got to thinking, well, why am I feeling this way? And on the drive home from a friend’s house an answer crossed my mind; I let Christmas get too commercial in my head. It’s embarrassingly cliched, I know. I’m sorry. But I realized that for the past week and a half I’ve been more or less consumed with a.) what am I getting for Christmas and b.) what am I going to get myself on Boxing Day if (a) is missing something.

Yes, yes, I’m every TV Christmas Special about anyone who’s Lost the True Meaning of Christmas. Bleah. Anyway.

What I decided to do in response, on the spur of the moment, is to forgo my usual comics this week in lieu of an illustrated retelling of the Christmas story as written in Luke chapter 2, from the NLT version of the Bible. And maybe in doing so I’ll take some time to reflect on the important things about Christmas, like family, and this incredible place and time that I get to live in, and the Best Gift Ever. (Pro tip: it’s Jesus)

If this doesn’t interest you, I’ll hopefully see you back next week! In any case please have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year. I sincerely wish you all the best.