My calendar, Gmail mailbox, texts, TV, radio, news, and all media in existence tell me it’s Black Friday. Something about a sale or two going on.

But that’s not important right now. What matters is, it’s time to once again take on that rotten Kid who insists that everything in life is better when accompanied by a rhythm—one banged out on a drum as loudly as possible. (Yes, I just used an em-dash. And no, that doesn’t mean AI wrote this. I did. Been using those things for years, and you’ll pry my preferred punctuation from my cold, dead hands.)

Let’s get this little bastard. Or, more accurately, let’s frustrate and evade him.

Do it in the name of 2025’s First Fallen, the unfortunate Bill S. We don’t know the circumstances of Bill’s demise, but he reported in at just shy of 9:21 am this morning.

So let’s dance: Bone up on the rules (bit.ly/LDBCrules). Fill out the form (bit.ly/ldbcform) if you’re done in to earn yourself a spot on the Wall at the end o’ the game.

Also, take an LDBC-elfie of yourself at the moment of your loss and add it to a comment on our Facebook page or via Bluesky (be sure to tag @littledrummerboychallenge.com there). And feel free to check out the gallery at the bottom of last year’s roundup for inspiration.

Also, also, review our list of deadly TV shows and movies (bit.ly/LDBCtoxic), but be aware that it is not the end-all-be-all. There’s a link there to an IMDb page that’ll give you much more.

OK, two more things. To make life a bit easier and more pleasant, take a look at our handy list of LDB-free media, which includes LDBC-safe online channels and a whole host of LDBC-er playlists. (As always, though, check those carefully before playing. Mistakes have been made, and people have perished in the past.)

Hold fast and keep a stiff upper lip, people. This year is your time.

For Bill!