Apologies for going more than two weeks without an update, fellow LDBCers, but life got in the way. (Stupid life. Everybody tells you to get one, and now look.)

A few things to talk about here.

First off, I finally got my act together and created a page for LDBC-safe playlists created by several of our generous fellow strugglers. (And let’s give them a hearty “thank you,” shall we?) So now you’ve got hours and hours of rounded-corners listening, though I highly recommend checking each list before you actually play it. Everyone’s trying to do the right thing, but mistakes will be made.

Secondly, I realized I haven’t yet plugged this year’s charity, which is once again Americares. (Hey, they do good work, so why change?) My pitch is always the same: holiday time pinches many a wallet, so please don’t feel bad if you don’t make a donation. Should you be so inclined, though, please donate here.

Now, on to the carnage.

‘Tis another bloody year this year. (Is there any other kind?) Folks have been laid low by The Holdovers, even though it was added good and early to our toxic list. A Flo Rida mashup has been doing some damage, as has a Tom Mabe prank video of some young carolers singing the dread tune.

A first this year, however, is the downfall of poor Tricia Abel. To date, we’ve had videos of people’s reactions after being taken out, but Trish, who was shooting one of her delightful “Trish Makes a Dish” TikTok videos, recorded her demise in real time. There she is, happily getting into her routine, when she catches herself singing to the tune and realizes what’s playing. (Note that her picture and the link point to her overall TikTok presence. Do not watch the video of her being taken down while you’re still in the game because you can hear it playing, and you’ll be gone as well.)

And that’s the quick update on what’s happening in This Thing of Ours, people. As always, be ever vigilant. If you do take a tumble and The Boy finds you, please fill out the reporting form (https://bit.ly/LDBCform) so that you’re included in the game-end stats. And if you want to join in on the LDBC-elfie fun, tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with a reaction shot.

Otherwise, try to be what the immortal Fred Rogers called a helper and be good to one another this holiday season, and enjoy this gallery of those who’ve been less fortunate thus far, yours truly included.

For Stephen!

LDBC-Elfies: a Visual Chronicle of the Fallen