Things are starting to be revealed why this was the year without a Santa Claus. Keeping the same news lady as I've had in the past allows for two things... established continuity and laziness-- I don't have to design a new character. I had no intention of using Karen Blake, news lady, when I planned this strip, but when I sat down to draw it... everything just screamed for me to use her again. I'm still not sure what to call this elf, he does need something elfy as a name. I'm going to want to have him as a reoccurring character, so it has to be something good. That's one of the reasons I haven't just given him something and said, "Meh, good enough."