Well, it’s Christmas week already. It sure seemed to sneak up on us quickly, but then again, it always does.

If you’re looking for an alternative to the same 25 Christmas songs that most radio stations seem to play every year, I recommend WXRT’s Christmas Music stream as well as the holiday episodes of Little Steven’s Underground Garage and Sound Opinions. Your ears and sugarplum-addled brain will thank you.

Clark waiting patiently.

If you grew up in Chicago, you’ll remember Salerno Jingles cookies: these “Santa’s Favorites” anise-flavored cookies are the 21st-century version. The shapes are a little different and there’s not as much sugar sprinkled on the top, but one taste will take you back to your younger days. (Keebler now owns the name “Jingles,” and while their cookies have the same shapes as the original Jingles, the recipe is totally different.)

And speaking of sweet goodness, no holiday season would be complete without Lisa’s sublime homemade cookie assortment and my legendary rum cake. Family and coworkers alike dug it in a big way.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!