TODAY'S NEWS: Magical Helper Elves have their problems, too. If you have any chores done by Helper Elves, remember to leave them a special treat for the holidays. To them, one of those tiny bottles of whiskey that you get on airplanes is HUGE. A bit of generosity isn't too much to ask in exchange for having your shoes made or dishes washed while you sleep.

I hope all those who gathered with their relatives yesterday managed to make it through without too much Family Drama (although that does seem to be an integral part of the holiday, almost as much as candied yams and cardboard Pilgrim hats). I avoided it by having a wonderfully enjoyable dinner with friends. Today's comic is about as close as I'll get this year to the Do-It-Yourself Soap Opera so many people experience.

Have a great weekend, everyone! Be careful if you go shopping...