Day: December 6, 2011

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are almost here. Pretty soon I’m going to be hip deep in yet to be written cards, dirty cookie sheets, and 12 year old tattered bows that my wife is convinced still have a few years left in them.

Christmas can be a stressful time, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to offer up some of my favorite Christmas cartoons to clear out some of the humbug. Enjoy!

I’m what you would call directionally challenged. I never know which way is north, I often don’t know what town I’m in, and if it weren’t for the combination of Google Maps, my TomTom and my iPhone, I’d never be able to get anywhere at all.

I love my GPS, but I can understand why Rudolph might feel differently.

Another Christmas bar cartoon. I wonder what a therapist would have to say about this.

Anyway, this cartoon was an absolute joy to do art-wise. Concocting a recognizable Scrooge, aping Seuss, and drawing them both slightly drunk and complaining? Hee hee! This is why I became a cartoonist!

As if it weren’t bad enough that this kid was going to get coal, he doesn’t even get that, and then Santa rubs it in his face!

I know it’s winter and all, but that’s cold.

This cartoon was one of my most popular at art fairs this summer, although I sold only one. I thought it would be more of a general holiday appeal, but people inevitably would say “This would be great if it said Bill instead!” Or Tom, or Jessica or (insert name here.)

I’ve considered offering it as an item you could personalize, but that would require more planning and effort than I think I’m ready for at the moment. Maybe someday, though…

I’ll put up the tree, hang a wreath, and put out a few knick-knacks, but that’s it for Christmas decorating. I put up lights one time years ago before we had kids and a second story on the house, but never since.

I’m sure the neighbors think I’m a Scrooge, but the ratio of work to joy doesn’t work out for me.

But one giant bulb? That I might actually put up.

More than one company I worked for before becoming a cartoonist would have had absolutely no problem at all moving to the naughty list, if, in fact, they had ever been elsewhere. And when you think about it, if you were in the coal business you’d actually have no incentive to be good at all. I think I smell a cartoon!

OK, I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to feel a little better. Feel free to check out all of my other Christmas cartoons, and have a happy holiday!