My kids get spoiled rotten this time of year. (Yes, I know, everyone’s kids get spoiled rotten this time of year. Work with me on this.) They get to do the Hanukkah and Christmas combo. I’m not saying grandparents on both sides of the religious divide aren’t trying to subtly influence the leanings whenever (if ever) they decide to make that call.  We have had to warn both sides off  about showing up with a puppy, though.

I’ve mentioned it before that when it came to team and school loyalties, I got everything but the NFL. The poor kids have to root for the Browns. Not that it has mattered much since I’m not about to go out an buy them the gear, and my wife gets sticker shock just about every time she looks at licensed gear. Frankly the kids haven’t cared to ask.

Until this year. The boy is seven and decided this year he wanted a Browns jersey. I asked my wife what brought that on, and she pointed out that his teacher is a huge Browns fan, so it probably has something to do with that. To be fair, she is quite pretty, so I just nodded my head without mentioning that aspect. I was just kind of hoping that he was going to last a little longer before doing stupid things for a girl.

He’s not getting a jersey. There was no way I was going to let him be part of the Cleveland collective of failed QB jerseys that haunt the region. (There really is nothing quite like seeing someone still rocking a Tim Couch jersey.) Sadly those are the only cheap knock-offs that can be picked up quickly.

I’m also not spending a small fortune on a custom jersey he will outgrow in a year. Especially  when the only numbers I would approve are  #36 (K’Wuan Williams) or #97 (Jabaal Sheard). He’s going to have to make do with an overpriced sweatshirt.

In that spirit, I hope everyone has a really good day. Obviously, I’m not big on the religious part of things, but I still think there is something nice about there still being one day that almost everything comes to a stop. A chance for people to just take the day and step back from all the crap that piles up in life. Hopefully there is family and loved ones to share it.

Let me say a special thanks to Reed and Justin. Your insights and writing this season have been outstanding all season. I owe you both so many rounds at some point, I can’t even begin to calculate. Thank you both, so much for being willing to use your talents here.