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SSQQ Christmas Carol Puzzle Anecdotes

The origin of the SSQQ Christmas Carol Puzzle goes back to 1996.  One evening that December a former SSQQ Staff Member named Marla Jennings gave me a copy of 24 Christmas Carol Picture Puzzles.  The idea was to guess the identity of a famous Christmas Carol from the picture.  I wasn’t very good at it because I found how woeful I was at remembering the names of Christmas Carols!!   Nevertheless I thought the Puzzle was very clever.

I took the Puzzle home and set it down.  I am sure I filed it away somewhere and promptly forgot about it.  As they say, out of sight, out of mind.

1999

During some routine cleaning of my office in 1999, by accident I ran across the Carol Puzzle copy that Marla Jennings had given me several years earlier.  I tried solving it again and realized I was scarcely any better this time than I had been the first time.  I got maybe half of the 24 clues right. 

However, just like the first time, I had fun trying.  In fact, I had so much fun that it gave me an idea.

The Internet had not been a factor the first time I saw this puzzle in 1996, but now I had a brand new web site with plenty of room for interesting material.  I saw an easy way to share this clever little puzzle with my friends here at the dance studio, so I added it to my studio's web site.  

So
I scanned the pictures into the computer.  Unfortunately the pictures on the Original Copy were in pretty bad shape, so I began to touch them up using my beloved "Paint Shop Pro".  I have never been able to draw worth a flip, but I discovered I had a flair for touching the pictures up using the computer program tools.  I was pleased to note that just a little love on my part made a big difference in the quality of the pictures. 

As I worked, I decided some of the original pictures were so lame that it would be easier just to create a different version of my own.   I will let you compare some of my first efforts at "improving" on the original work. 

In the top picture, you have a box with nearly illegible print.  You can barely make out the word
Joy if you look carefully enough which completely gives the clue away.  And if you look even closer, you might be able to make out To: World in the address label.  Obviously this copy was in pretty bad condition.

Not only was the clue illegible, it was too easy.  I decided to redo the clue.  Picture Number 31 is the replacement.  It is still pretty easy, but at least I didn't spell out the answer!

Picture 18 was from the Original Copy.  This clue was so difficult no one in my group could figure out what Christmas Carol it stood for.  We called it the "Mystery Clue".  Then one day the answer finally came to us.  However the "Original" had to go. 

Clue 34 at right was my "redo".  Obviously the professional artwork makes this clue a lot easier to decipher.

I am frequently asked where I get all my artwork.  How people guess I couldn't possibly be the artist is a mild insult (just kidding)... but yes, they are right - I admit I use commercial artwork. 

I have been a subscriber to a company known as Dynamic Graphics since 1984. Over these many years I have collected a vast amount of marvelous artwork.  I owe the company a lot of credit in this regard.

As I said earlier, when I decided to put the pictures on the Internet, I had an initial problem - the pictures were so beat up I could barely see them.  If you would like to see what all the Original pictures looked like, click on The Original Copy 

The Jingle Bells Picture on the right is another one of the original pictures.  As you can see, the artwork in this picture is also pretty rudimentary.   Add to the fact that it was a copy of a copy of a copy and you will imagine that this 24-panel puzzle had passed through many a hand by the time it finally got to me. 

Although the artwork wasn't that great, it was good enough.  I decided it just needed some touch-up.  The second Bell picture shows you an example of my "touch-up" work on the original.  Hopefully you will think it is an improvement. 

By the way, you might notice the Bells in the two pictures are different.  I believe this shows the copy that Marla Jennings gave me was slightly different than the one I have posted on my web site.  The Original Copy  However the differences are negligible.

It took quite a few days to touch up all 24 of the pictures, but I had fun doing it.  When I was finished with renovation project, I put
them up on my web site.  I offered the puzzle as a 1999 Christmas challenge to my dance students.  They loved it!  I got all sorts of compliments.

I was surprised at how popular the quiz was with my friends.  I felt so encouraged that I decided to publish the puzzle again the next year in
2000.  In addition, my success at substituting my own work for several of the original clues gave me the confidence that I could create clues of my own.

Filled with Millennium Fever, in 2000 I created 16 new puzzles to add to the original 24.  Now we were up to an even 40 pictures.

Original

I didn't like the original, so I substituted my own idea

Original.  This picture was nearly impossible in this form.

Here is my new version.

Original

My touch up job.

Why are the Pictures so small?

Since the early days, some people have asked me why the pictures are so small. 

When I first published my web site in 1999, I was told most people view their computer screens in 800 by 600 pixels.  To fit on a screen this size, I decided to make my pictures 160 pixels wide, four to a page.  That meant the 4 clues side by side were 640 pixels which filled 80% of the screen.  In retrospect I should have made them nearly 200 wide, but oh well.

Also these were the days before high-speed internet connections were available.  Painfully-slow dial-up modems were in place back then.  I had to make the pictures small so they could be more easily downloaded.  Back in 1999 I remember watching the first pages published to the Internet take a couple minutes to download over the phone modem.  Not being a very patient person, I thought it would take forever!   In other words, my decisions to make the pictures small were shaped by the rules at the time.

Seven years later, in 2006, I decided to reformat my pictures to 1024 by 768 when I realized this had become the more common screen setting.  I considered increasing the size of the pictures significantly, but discovered they were very blurry when enlarged.  Compare the two pictures of "Santa and the Kids" below.  Notice how blurry the enlarged color picture is to see what I mean. 

Original Clue

Colorized and Enlarged

I have discovered you can shrink pictures without a problem, but making small pictures 'larger' will distort them.  The right thing to do would be to go back to the drawing board and reformat all the pictures, but not right now. Maybe someday. 

Another point to consider is that pictures would be very difficult to print if they were much larger.   A lot of people print the pictures out for their parties.  Larger pictures would have to be downsized to fit on Legal or Letter-sized paper.


Why are most of the Pictures in Black and White?

Another common question is why the pictures are mostly black and white.  Color would be so greatly preferred!

Back in the beginning, the only Clip Art I had available came in black and white.  Color did not become a regular part of the Dynamic Graphics pictures until August 1999.  That meant when I started putting together my Picture Puzzle, I had 16 years of black and white pictures and two months of color pictures.

Since those days, "color" has become commonplace in commercial artwork.  By 2006 I had collected nearly as many color pictures as I did black and white.  I briefly considered "colorizing" the black and white pictures. However I abandoned that idea when I realized how difficult it was to do a good job. 

On the right, you can see the results of a 2005 effort to "colorize" one of my black and white pictures.  That picture alone should explain the main reason why I decided not to mess with my original black and white puzzles.

Another roadblock to color is "Time".  Realistically you are talking about many many hours of work.  Each new puzzle takes about half an hour to create, so do the math.  An estimate for "Colorizing" 70 black and white pictures would mean most likely 35 hours of work.  If the color made a real improvement in the quality, I might be tempted to try anyway.  However since my first attempts at 'colorizing' were so disappointing, I imagine the older pictures will stay black and white for a long time. 

That said, the future looks rosy.  As of 2006, most of the new pictures will be in color.


2001: The Puzzle Grows!

I started with 24 clues in 1999 (see the Original Copy).  The following year I added 16 more to make it to 40 in 2000.  I received lots of compliments for my effort.

After the good response in 2000, I decided to add 10 more in 2001 to reach 50.  But before I could add more puzzles, first I needed more song titles.  I ran into a big problem - I was having a hard time finding enough titles to work from!  

That is when I decided to add titles from Country-Western albums.  Every Western artist has found it quite lucrative to record at least one Christmas album.  As of 2005, George Strait had three!  Most of the songs are remakes of the old standards, but original songs are often included.  It was these new songs that created my source of new titles.

Now I was in business again!  "Christmas in Dixie", "Christmas for Cowboys", "If We Make it Through December", and "Christmas Time in Texas" were titles from C&W Christmas Albums that gave me new inspiration.  I was very pleased with my clever move to expand the Puzzle.  

However, my joy was short-lived because I ran into a problem created by my new puzzles.


2002: The Solution to a Headache Propels the Puzzle to a New Level


My 2001 addition of Country-Western titles created a problem I had not seen coming.  Although the Puzzle was bigger in 2001, it wasn't nearly as much fun in 2001 as it had been the year before.  As long as I stuck to familiar songs like "Rudolph" and "Jingle Bells", everyone had a fighting chance to solve a few riddles.  But now that we had 50 names, the Puzzle had become very difficult to solve.  The biggest complaint was lack of knowledge about titles in the first place.  Most people could only remember only the most popular Christmas Carol names to begin with.  But practically no one had ever heard of the Western titles.  They grew frustrated because without knowledge of the names, it was impossible to solve many of the clues.

Big mistake on my part!! 

I recalled having the same problem when I first took the quiz. 
I could remember the names when I heard the songs sung, but in 1996, I could not have named more than a dozen carol titles off the top of my head.   Furthermore it was one thing when I was sticking to "Frosty the Snowman" and "Let it Snow", but with the obscure titles like "Coventry Carol" and the "Wassail Song" added in with the new Western titles, the puzzle had become far too difficult.  My dance studio friends complained that the 2001 version wasn't as much fun anymore.

So in 2002 I decided to make things easier by adding a list of 100 Christmas Carol Titles to pick from.  Now the puzzle seemed pretty easy to me.  This meant people who didn't know any Carol names at all could play!  Previous knowledge of Carol Titles no longer became a prerequisite to participation.

My instincts were correct.  The addition of the Clue List did make the clues much easier to solve.  As a result, the Puzzle immediately became fun again.  This change also led to far-reaching consequences.


A Mystery Appears - Where are these emails coming from?

Almost immediately after adding the clue list something odd happened.  I rarely got responses from my SSQQ dance community any more - most of them had already tried it! - but I was being inundated with email requests for the answers from people all over the country.  I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught!   I must have received 200 inquiries in 2002 compared to maybe 20 or 30 in 2001

I was perplexed.  Word of mouth could not account for this kind of volume.  Where were these people coming from?  I was completely clueless.  Nor did I figure out the reason; it stayed a mystery for weeks.


In the meantime, I become a Grouch.


Besides being baffled by the sudden nationwide popularity of the quiz,
I found myself getting irritated because 80% of the inquiries simply asked for the answers without bothering to solve the puzzle.  Some people were so rude in their demands that I became angry. 

Maybe I didn't have the right spirit, but my thinking was - why not solve it yourself?   After all, when I solve a logic puzzle or do a Crossword puzzle, I don't go straight for the answers.

So I emailed each one of them that I would be happy to furnish the answers if they would first take the quiz. Surely these people could solve a few to show that they tried.  

Here's a quick rundown on the 2002 scene:

12-01-02 Nyree

Hi there! Would you be able to send me a list of answers for the 50 songs. I would like to do this at a Church Christmas dinner...but don't want to get any wrong! Thanks!

12-03-02 Jeff

I would like to use your christmas carol puzzle list as an after supper game at our office staff party this year, but am reluctant to do so without having an answer key....!!!....would it be possible for you to send me the answers?....TIA

12-05-02 Stephanie

Will you send the answers to the puzzles? I found your site and love the pictures. I'd love to use it at our staff Christmas party next week. I figured out about half...and the others are stumping me, even with the clue list!

12-07-02 Barb

Hi, Rick...My family is having a reunion this Christmas, and each family is responsible for one night's entertainment. I found your puzzle and would love to use it for my night (fastest family wins a grand prize). However, I can't solve all of them myself!! Would it be possible to get the answers? Would appreciate your help...

(Editor's Note: I told Barb like everyone else if they worked the puzzle and came close I would send the answers. Barb worked the puzzle,got 44 right,and I sent her the rest of the answers on 12-10)

12-09-02 Barb again

Rick...thanks so much! These should keep us busy while we're mellowing out by the fireplace!

12-08-02 Beth

Would it be possible to use your puzzle in my classroom? I teach music and thought it would be fun for the kids to try. Would you send me the answers so I can be sure of my answers? There are some that I'm guessing at and a few that I have no idea! Thanks!

12-09-02 Keary

Found your puzzle and wonder if you would be willing to share the answer sheet. Some at the office wanted to have a few games at a Christmas party. I don't think anyone will be able to take you up on your practice night if they get 45 correct since we live in North Dakota.

12-10-02 Paula

Hi Rick, I was wondering if I could get the answers to your puzzle...I'm interested in playing it at a Christmas party.

12-12-02 Rick

Rick: Any chance that I can have the answers to the 50 Xmas song puzzles? I am a real chump if i can't answer them in my work group because I started this. Thanks

12-13-02 Hottie Girl

what are the answers?

12-16-02 Terry

We'd like to use this quiz for a Christmas Party. Can you send us the answers. Thanks.

12-16-02 Vicki
No, I am not a student, but a teacher in Illinois. This site was found and has been presented to high school students for holiday fun!    It will be a fun project for us to figure these out, but I need the answers.  Thanks.

12-17-02 Aimee

do you have a list of the answers to the christmas puzzle?

12-17-02 Frank

I need the answers for my office Christmas Party tomorrow. Thanks in advance.

(Editor's Note: as usual I suggested to Frank that he work the puzzle first)

12-18-02 Frank

I don't have the goddamn time to work your stupid puzzle. You probably don't even know the answers. Humbug.


The 2002 Christmas Season wasn't any fun.  I had gone to a lot of work to improve the Puzzle, but I didn't feel rewarded for my effort.  In fact, I actually felt badgered.  I will simply say that I spent most of that December in a bad mood. 

However the season wasn't a total loss. I finally discovered the secret of the Puzzle's newfound popularity.
 

I Get My Answer!

12-10-02 Susan

Hi. My name is Susan and I'm from Chicago, IL. I was doing a search at yahoo.com on 'Christmas Carol Picture Puzzles' and your website, SSQQ, came up.

My mom had a puzzle years ago where there were pictures on a piece of paper that represented different Christmas carols.  Is this what you have?  If so, is it possible to get a copy of that please. We are having a Christmas party and I think that would be so much fun to do again!  Thanks in advance for your time.

(Editor's note: At my request, Susan worked the puzzle too to get the answer sheet.)

12-11-12 Susan

Thanks so much, Rick! That was exactly what I was looking for!!
 

Fame and Money

Meanwhile Susan had given me a valuable hint - "I was doing a search at yahoo.com on 'Christmas Carol Picture Puzzles' and your website, SSQQ, came up."

Search Engines!!  Aha!

Out of curiosity I went to Google and typed in “Christmas Puzzle”.  I received 950,000 hits.  Hmm.  How in the world did they find my puzzle out of a million choices?

So I opened a couple pages.  Lo and behold the SSQQ Christmas Puzzle was listed on Page 3.  Not bad!!  My puzzle was in the top 30 in the world.

Then I typed in “Christmas Carol Puzzle”.  SSQQ was on Page 1 for these three key words.  Wow!  I had my answer!! 
This was the moment I realized this silly little puzzle had become an International favorite.  Who woulda thunk it??

In the years to come since my discovery in 2002, the Puzzle has kept improving its position.  In 2005 the Puzzle was in the third spot on Google's Page 1 for "
Christmas Puzzles".  Same place in 2006 - Number 3, Page 1. 

In 2006, for "
Christmas Carol Puzzles" it was Number One in the world.

Here is an interesting question.  Now that the Puzzle site has become a global success, are you curious how much money have I received for my work?  

Not a cent. 

I couldn't care less.  My dance studio has made me all the money I need.  I am just pleased to see how much fun people are having.  That is the Christmas spirit, yes??
 

2003 - You have to work for the Answer Sheet

I was still rankled by the 2002 deluge of people who wanted the answers without bothering to solve any puzzles.  I was so fed-up, in 2003 I added a special feature:  Give me 30 right answers and I will send back the entire list of 50 answers.  In other words, I asked the people to solve half the puzzles in return for the answer sheet.

That solved the problem nicely.  Since then only about 10% of the emails came from someone who wanted the answers without trying the puzzle.  Now I started to have fun again. 

I am always glad to share the rest of the answers when I think someone has put a little work into the puzzle. 


The Puzzle Crosses Borders

In 2003 I fielded requests for the answers from people in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada. Most of the requests for the answers come from people looking for something to do at a Christmas Party they are hosting at work or home. Many more requests came from school teachers looking for something fun for the kids to do in the final week.  I must have gotten at least 50 emails from teachers alone!! 

Here are several examples:

-----Original Message-----
From: Erin C

Sent:
Thursday, December 18, 2003 10:47 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: christmas puzzle

“Rick, Here are the answers I have.  Could you fill in the ones I'm stuck on and correct any I may not have rightMy extended Family of 25 is counting on you as we are playing this Christmas Eve!

Thanks and great site!  Erin”
 

-----Original Message-----
From: E, Kerri
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 4:17 PM
To:
dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Puzzle Quiz

“Attn:  Rick Archer,

The following are my answers to your Christmas puzzle list.  Were all these titles REAL songs?  In any case, I would very much like to have a copy of the answers.  I'd like to use these with my music students just for fun.  Thank you! 

Kerri E
Director, Choral Department
Iowa Park High School”

RICK ARCHER’S REPLY:

“Yes, all the titles are correct. Mind you, I got a few titles from country-western albums here and there in a desperate attempt to come up with 100 titles.  The idea is to make the puzzle a little harder by giving extra choices.  Other than that I promise you the puzzle is on the level!  Hope your kids have fun!"
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Laurice B
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 7:10 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Puzzle answers

 “Hi Rick,

I'm a gifted resource teacher in a middle school, and always on the lookout for puzzles. I ran across your Christmas song puzzle.  Too Cute!

I thought I might try it out with the kids, but I myself am not sure of a few of the pictures.

You said you would send the answer key if we sent you the answer to 30 of them, so here it goes…”


-----Original Message-----
From: Cindy N
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 11:25 PM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: A BIG Thank you!

Thanks Rick-

My class will have a ball with this puzzle and having the answer will make them think I am so smart. Remember that's our little secret.

Have a Great Holiday!    Cindy

In addition to the many requests from teachers and Christmas Party hosts, there was one particular email that was my personal favorite of the 2003 season:

-----Original Message-----
From: Opal R
Sent: Monday, December 15, 2003 12:07 AM
To:
dance@ssqq.com
Subject: christmas song puzzle

“Dear Mr. Rick Archer:

Here are my answers to the Christmas song puzzle.  Please send me the answers.  I work in a prison and I have stayed up late trying to figure them all out so I can give the puzzle to the guys as something to do on Christmas Eve. Surely, I have thirty right, Ha!  Ha! 

Thanks for the fun and I wait for the answers as soon as possible.”

RICK ARCHER'S REPLY:

“Nice work, Opal. You did great!!   And good for you for going out of your way to do something nice to cheer up an evening which otherwise would have been pretty gloomy!  I am honored to be able to assist you!”
 

The Most Obnoxious Email Ever

During the 2003 Holiday Season I must have responded to several hundred inquiries.  However there was one email that I will never forget.   I guarantee you won't believe this story!

-----Original Message-----
From: Francine W
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 12:26 PM
To:
dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Pictures of Famous Christmas Songs

Hi Rick:

I was wondering if you have an electronic version of these pictures that you can send to me?  I am doing a PowerPoint with these on them for a contest with a church group.  When I enlarge the ones from your site (and from other sites) they get very blurry.  I can't find these pictures anywhere else on the web that has a higher quality.  But perhaps if I could get a hold of originals (hopefully BMP format) that would be great.  It would also help greatly if the pictures could be in color.  Do you have colorized versions of your pictures available?

Is this something that you can help me with?  Do you know a website where can I find these pictures with better resolution?

Don’t forget to include the answers.

Regards, Francine W

I was so flabbergasted by the nerve behind her request that I decided the simplest thing to do was point out she had ignored my request to send 30 answers.  This allowed me to avoid sharing what I really thought about her letter!

RICK ARCHER’S REPLY:

“Ms. W,

I have had over 100 people email me to ask for the answers during this Christmas season.  You are the first to ask for the answers without bothering to solve thirty correctly like everyone else.

If you want the answers, please give me thirty answers first like I asked for.“

FRANCINE W’S REPLY:

“Well, I tried the puzzle.  Hopefully I have at lease 30 correct - you'll send the answers to me?”

Clue
List
My Answers
2 46
3 30
6 17
15 61
23 10
26 75
13 50
etc etc


RICK ARCHER’S REPLY

“Ms. W, at first I was simply going to cut and paste the answers like I do with everyone else and send them to you, but your answers were in such an odd format I got suspicious.  Most people simply give the picture number and the name. You didn’t even bother with the names of the songs.  So I checked your answers.  Not one answer was correct!!!  

2 is “Walking thru a Winter Wonderland”.  Your answer was “I STILL BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS”
3 is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”. Your answer was “GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN”
6 is “The Little Drummer Boy”. Your answer was “CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE”

What planet are you from, Ms. W??  Do they not have Christmas Carols on your planet?

It is obvious you didn’t even lift a finger to solve these puzzles.  Instead you just inserted some numbers and figured I would be too stupid to figure it out so you wouldn’t have to waste another second of your precious time.

I checked three other answers you gave just for a laugh and they weren’t any closer. How does it feel to get caught cheating on a Christmas Carol Puzzle, Ms. W? 

First you said:  “I can't find these pictures anywhere else on the web that has a higher quality.”

The reason you can’t find them elsewhere is that I created 80% of them myself.  If you see them elsewhere, and they are the same size, it is because someone copied them from me!

Furthermore I was stunned to find that you expected a total stranger to email you larger copies so your enlargements wouldn’t be so blurry.  Do you realize this would take hours of work?  And did you expect to pay me for my time and talent?  Of course not.

Furthermore these pictures are in black and white because the only pictures I had to work with in the beginning were black and white. I deeply regret I don't have color versions to send to you.

Did you know it took me TWO SOLID WEEKS working on my computer paint program to make up this quiz?  And do you realize it takes maybe 30 minutes to figure out 30 answers?   But rather than invest twenty or thirty minutes to figure out a few clues, you decided you were too damn busy to bother to take the quiz and that I was too damn dumb to catch you at it.

What kind of church group did you say you belonged to?  Did you ever learn anything about integrity in that church group?

You have more nerve than any person I have ever dealt with on the Internet!

Rick Archer

-----Original Message-----
From: Francine W
Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2003 10:19 PM
To:
dance@ssqq.com
Subject: RE: Pictures of Famous Christmas Songs

I deeply resent the tone of your letter.  I have been working day and night preparing this party for 200 parishioners.  I asked nicely for your answers and all I receive is contempt and hostility.  If you had any sense of Christian decency, you would help me rather than run your superficial ego trip.

I could care less about your answer sheet.  I had my son figure them out for me.

I will pray to Jesus to shine his light on you.  It is obvious to me you are in great need of spiritual guidance.

FW"

So a lady who got caught cheating on a Christmas Puzzle to be used for her Church group decided to pray for me. 

How did I ever get so lucky?
 

The Puzzle Hits the Vatican

I thought Francine's story would take the cake for 2003.  But this next one was wonderful!  To my absolute shock, I received a surprising inquiry from a lady in Italy.  

-----Original Message-----
From: Sr. Grace Gabrielle O'Brien
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2003 9:45 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: christmas puzzle Attn Rick Archer from rome italy

Dear Rick,

I enjoyed your carol quiz and am attaching my answers. I think I got 44 of them. I look forward to getting your answer sheet. Thanks for the fun and I wish you God's blessings in the new year.

Sr. Grace Gabrielle

Sr. Grace Gabrielle O'Brien, CSAC
Pallottine Sisters - Casa Generalizia
Viale Kennedy #62
Grottaferrata, Rome
00046 ITALY
(11-39) 06-9459458

After checking on Map Quest, I discovered Grottaferrata is on the outskirts of Rome.  Aw shucks.  I didn't quite make it to the Vatican, but I sure got close!  

Sister Grace's letter left me in awe at how this little Christmas Puzzle manages to get visited by people from all over the world!

2004

The Christmas Season of 2004 was extra busy for me because I got a new computer. I spent so much time getting my new system installed, I let the correspondence take a back seat. 

The one thing I do remember is beginning to wonder about the origins of the puzzle.  Here is one of the emails that got me thinking:

-----Original Message-----
From: Linda D
Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 4:59 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Cc: Divall, Linda
Subject: Christmas Carol Puzzle

I'm a school teacher who works with the Gifted and Talented kids----I've used some of these puzzles for years. We had a worksheet with 24 puzzles on it---some of the puzzles you have listed but with different drawings. Many of the drawings are exactly the same. I wonder where this actually started. I teach in the Fort Worth area and this puzzle sheet has been around for at least the last 10 years!!! I was going to share it with some of my new colleagues but one sent this link to me before I sent out the page---this one's better, though. Thanks for your efforts. Linda D

Interest in the puzzle continued to grow. I had 517 requests for the answers in 2005.

2005 Update

In 2005 the interest in the puzzle was stronger than I have ever seen it.  On Monday, December 5, I got 12 requests in one day... and there were still three weeks left till Christmas!

I was so impressed by the interest I decided to dramatically expand the Puzzle.  I added 24 Puzzles to take the total from 56 to 80.  It took two entire working days.  I also expanded the clue list from 100 to 168. 

As usual this year, I had people who asked for the questions without bothering to offer the answers.  However the percentage was very low.

The vast majority of the people who emailed me not only supplied the answers, they were generous in their compliments. They made me feel very proud to share my game with the world. 

Here were some of my favorites for 2005.

-----Original Message-----
From: Heather G
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 1:32 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Re: Attention: Rick Archer re Christmas Puzzle Answers

Rick!   Thanks so much for sending these answers so quickly... especially on a Sunday. Your timing is impeccable though, the party planning team is meeting as I type! 

And the convener is also from Texas. How's that for a coincidence... especially when we are located in a relatively small Ontario town in Canada!

Regards, Heather
.................................

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron B
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 11:21 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: RE: Christmas Carol Puzzle

Hi Rick,
Thanks so very much. Our family loves puzzles like this, you have made our day…

Happy holidays, Ron B
................................


-----Original Message-----
From: lois a
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 2:48 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: christmas quiz

DEAR MR. ARCHER,
I AM FROM MOUNT PEARL IN NEWFOUNDLAND, AND AM A NURSE AT ONE OF THE HOSPITALS HERE. EVERY YEAR I GET SOME KIND OF GAME OR QUIZ ON THE GO TO GET THE REST OF THE STAFF INTO THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT, AND WHEN I HAPPENED UPON YOUR'S, I WAS SO HAPPY TO REALIZE THIS WOULD BE MY QUIZ FOR THIS YEAR. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU HAVE PUT INTO THIS FOR THE REST OF US. I'VE SPENT A FEW DAYS TRYING TO FIGURE THE ANSWERS OUT, AND ALTHOUGH I KNOW I HAVE SOME WRONG' HOPEFULLY I WILL HAVE THE 32 RIGHT NEEDED FOR THE REST OF THE ANSWERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH.....WELL HERE GOES.....


AGAIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWERING ALL OF OUR ANSWERS. WISHING YOU AND YOURS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS......LOIS A.
.....................................

-----Original Message-----
From: Jamie C
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 3:30 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas puzzle

Hi Rick,

My 9 year old daughter and I stumbled upon this quiz while searching the internet. We love to do puzzles, word games etc. We are in South Louisiana in the Hurricane Katrina devastated area near New Orleans and feel fortunate to have survived the worst natural disaster in history. We are using your puzzle to add some enjoyment to our very difficult lives right now. A lot of the regular Christmas activities have been cancelled so we were looking for something festive to do. We are stumped on some of the answers. Please can you help us out? Our entire family started singing Christmas songs to help find the answers. It was very comical and nice to see everyone laughing. Merry Christmas. Thanks for brightening our day.

Jamie C
.........................................

-----Original Message-----
From: Sue W
Sent: Sunday, December 04, 2005 12:36 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: PS to Rick

I just finished reading your anecdotes on your Christmas Carol Puzzle, and am laughing! Thanks for the 'extra fun'!

I didn't include any clue as to identity or location, and you seem to enjoy it, so here goes ...

I'm a humble mama of four, a preschool music teacher, and the wife of a recently retired "Army Man". I'm in Alabama.

Nothing exciting ... I'm not near the Vatican, not near the North Pole, have no aspirations to do a Power Point Presentation with your work, I'm not entertaining 200 at church ... sigh, sigh, sigh, and sigh.

But I have thoroughly enjoyed playing your game, as well as reading your stories. Thank you for the hours you've put into creating and maintaining your site -- WOW!

Humbly, and appreciatively,  Sue
...........................


-----Original Message-----
From: W, Fred
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 9:37 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Here's my 40+ answers. I'm requesting the answer key for the rest. A lot of these songs I never heard of...

Thanks.  FRED

RICK ARCHER’S REPLY:
-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 11:32 AM
To: W, Fred
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

A lot of those songs I haven't heard of either, the hippo one for example.  But I visited a Christmas carol title web site and copied everything they had, so there you have it.  Plus a lot of these songs are from albums by popular artists. For example, "Santa Baby" is a goofy Madonna song which probably has no business being included with all these lovely Christian songs.

However, using song titles like these was the only way I could expand the puzzle and widen the clue base. 

Thanks for playing!

-----Original Message-----
From: W, Fred
Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 10:37 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Thanks.

Speaking of the Hippo song. My wife got that one stuck in her head over on Friday and went out and bought a Dr. Demento Christmas CD just because that song was on it. She played it probably a dozen times over the weekend.

Guess what kind of animal she's getting from Santa...
Thanks again.  FRED

RICK ARCHER’S REPLY:
Wow, the song really does exist!! Thanks for the inside scoop!!  I am sure it will be her favorite gift!   Rick Archer
..............

-----Original Message-----
From: Suzie W
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2005 11:57 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Answers to Christmas Carol Puzzle

Hi Rick! First of all, let me say that you are amazing!! I stumbled upon your website trying to find a better copy of the game. Just like you described in "anecdotes", I too had an old version that had been copied and re-copied and re-copied and re-copied, etc........Anyway, I did NOT expect to find such PERFECTION FOR FREE!!

I love this game, and I love your website. Now, I'm even planning on having a HALLOWEEN party just so we all can play the "Monster Game"!  Your website is addicting!
..............

-----Original Message-----
From: D Lawson
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 6:09 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Puzzle

Hello and thank you for your time in checking my answers. My aunt sent me one of the old time copies for fun. I decided to "cheat" and try to find the answers online. Needless to say, I've spent days obsessing over your puzzles. They are so much better pictures. Thanks for all of your time and efforts to make a more modern version.
..............................

-----Original Message-----
From: Saxena, W
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 11:23 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

HI,
I was given this puzzle when I was in my 2nd graders class -it was the original old 24 picture question one.
I enjoying taking your challenge for 40+. Please check my answers.  thanks for providing a modern version!
..................

-----Original Message-----
From: Joyce M
Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 6:36 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Re: Christmas Carol Picture Puzzle answers

Hi Rick!  I tried to get #65 before looking at the answers, but I didn't solve it.  My mom tried too.  We were hung up on the thermometer - we were thinking 'celsius' sounds something like 'excelsis' and the woman in the picture could be named Gloria, so that is how I came up with In Excelsis Gloria. 

My mom is STILL rubbing it in that she got Ave Maria right instead of me!!!!  I still can't believe I got that one wrong!!!

I told her that I like my answer better and I think you should change the answer on that one to Night Before Christmas.  Heeeheeeheee! Gotta love it!  We will be talking about that one for a long time.

Thanks for the entertainment, Rick!  Keep up the good work.
................

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce F
Sent: Sunday, December 25, 2005 8:52 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Rick,

Very refreshing to read your account. The world could use a few more people who don't do things for profit. My wife found your site but it was my job to print and make copies for our family tonight.

I think we spent at least 2 hours on this. I will include the answers that we came up with as a group. I'm pretty sure some are not right and some we just finally gave up on.

I hope you don't deal with these this week. We are in no hurry.

Thanks again and Merry Christmas!
........................


-----Original Message-----
From: James & Charlotte C
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2005 8:06 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide this puzzle.  I searched several websites before I finally found it. We are having a New Year's Eve Watch Party at our church Saturday night and I would like to use it as one (or two!) of the games. Please let me know how I did!  Would you please be so kind as to provide the correct answers?
.................

-----Original Message-----
From: Ness
Sent: Sunday, December 25, 2005 10:20 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: christmas puzzles

Rick,

My sister had brought along these Christmas Carol puzzles and the whole family sat down and tried to figure them out.  So I am gonna send what we figured out to see how right or wrong we were. Thank you in advance if you could send the answers after you check over how far we got. There was a mighty lot that stumped us.

Thank you for the answers.  I see we had more wrong than we thought. But this brought back alot of memories. We have the old paper where there is 24 pictures to figure out. This was alot more and alot more fun, for alot of the old paper we new them. We also see you have changed some of them from the old way, this is alot nicer. Thanks again for the fun and fond memories
..................

-----Original Message-----
From: Jackie R
Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2006 7:53 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

My mom is 73 years old and has worked on this for 2 weeks. here's her answers
......................

The Search for Roots!

Many emails in 2005 mentioned the Original Copy of 24 Puzzles.  Here is an example:

-----Original Message-----
From: Sylvia S
Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2005 3:06 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

To Rick Archer:

Thank you for providing our family with some fun Christmas brain teasers. It was great fun seeing the longer list.

We made our way to your webpage because of what is probably that same sheet of 24 puzzle pictures.

I am retired now but part of my job was to arrange the office Christmas party for an administrator at our university. I remember using the puzzle as an ice breaker one year and giving prizes to the winning team. When I ran across a copy of the puzzle in my Christmas "stuff" this year, I remembered how much fun everyone had so I used it at an extended family Christmas function where everyone doesn't see each other except that one time of the year. It was such a success in speeding up the "getting reacquainted" time that I was encouraged to pull up the website still listed on the sheet I'd tucked away in my Christmas decoration all those years ago. That website was no longer in existence, but good old Google got me to you.

When I saw some of the same pictures on you puzzles I was sure I'd found the original source, but discovered otherwise in reading your comments. Assuming you are still interested in the origin of the 24 I'll include what is printed on my list.  It would be unusual for it to be from the originator but thought you'd like to have the information just the same.


-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 11:34 AM
To: Sylvia S
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Nice work and thanks for playing, Sylvia!

I greatly appreciate that you took the time to share some of your own information with me. I am well aware that I am building on the work of another person and therefore am curious about the origins of the puzzle.

I visited both links you provided me. The second link was so complicated that seven clicks at that site merely revealed that IF a Christmas puzzle is indeed on that site, it is VERY WELL HIDDEN. I didn't find it.

I did find the Henson version at a slightly different URL address. My guess is he did the same thing I did - updated the old pictures.

-----Original Message-----
From: Sylvia S
Sent: Saturday, December 31, 2005 3:40 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Mr. Archer,
I just sent you an email with our answers and then went back to your website to read the Puzzle anecdotes. I found the history of how the puzzles came to be and the interesting emails almost as enjoyable as the puzzle. Thank you for the time and effort it takes to share the puzzles and all the info. By the way, because you seem to keep up with where your inquiries originate, we are in northeast Mississippi (Starkville).
Thanks again.   Sylvia
.................

I became so curious about the original copy that I decided to take the time and look for it here in my office.  To my dismay, I could not find it to save my soul.  Then a very nice lady named Tiffany Hayden came to my rescue.

---Original Message-----
From: Tiffany Hayden
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 11:11 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Dear Rick Archer,

Let me start by saying THANK YOU! Your puzzles are wonderful!  I have one of the "original" Christmas Carol Puzzle pages that you mentioned (it's a copy of a copy of a copy…) and looked online last year for something like it for my family Christmas Eve party but didn't find anything.  I tried looking again this year and came upon your website. 

I read through the anecdotes, which were funny, but you didn't mention if many people email you with all the correct answers.   I have completed quite a few and think I qualify to receive the answers.   Again, thank you for all your time in creating the puzzles.  I've had fun trying to figure them out and I know my family will, too!

From: Rick Archer
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 10:35 AM
To: Tiffany Hayden
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Nice work and thanks for playing, Tiffany.

To answer your question, I get many requests for the answers. I have received about 450 requests for the answers so far during the 2005 Christmas season.

I have a favor to ask - a lot of people ask for the original.  They have a sentimental attachment to it. Would you be so kind as to fax your copy to me if it isn't too much trouble?  Thanks!  Rick Archer

-----Original Message-----
From: Tiffany Hayden
Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2005 7:02 PM
To: 'Rick Archer'
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Rick,

Absolutely!  Faxing my copy is the least I can do for all the work you've done "cleaning up" and creating new puzzles!  I'll try faxing it over after I send you this email. I've only sent a fax from home once before so keep your fingers crossed that I can remember how to do it!

Wow! 450 requests this season alone!  That's amazing!  Have many of those included ALL 80 correct answers?

Thanks again, Tiffany

-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 11:01 AM
To: Tiffany Hayden
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

I received the fax yesterday… thank you! That's "the one".

Re the 450, today was ridiculous. It is only 11 am and I already have 30 requests!

None have gotten all 80 correct and that is not entirely their fault.

The quiz is not "perfect". For example, some clues have two legitimate answers. I have the "wassail" song plus the "gloucester wassail" song. So either one would be correct.

But most of all I have clue 75 which NO ONE has gotten right. Therefore it is a flaw in my design.

I put two sets of elves in silhouette. One set was trick or treating. The other was decorating for Christmas. "Its beginning to look a lot like christmas". It was vague to begin with and the pictures are too small to truly decipher.

I will redo it next season.

(Editor's Note: You can see Tiffany's copy that she sent me.  Click ORIGINAL COPY.
.......................................

2006

For 2006, I added 20 more clues to bring the total to 100.  In addition, 17 of the 20 new clues were in color.

The 2006 Christmas Season was busier than ever.  Here are some of my favorites:

-----Original Message-----
From: PostNet North Dallas
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 1:52 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Attached is my puzzle effort, hopefully at least 50 are correct.

I'm going to be sharing this with Juniors and Seniors in High School and they are a tough crowd. 

I love teaching, but whoever said it was easy didn't have my kids.  Sometimes I think I am part lion-tamer.  -:)

Now t
hanks to your hard work, I think I finally found something challenging enough to occupy their restless minds.

Kindest Regards, Karen P


-----Original Message-----
From: Lynn S
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 5:20 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Thank you sooooooo much for your hard work!!!

I have enjoyed this very much.  Like so many others I had first received the original 24.  I was at work and wanted to show it to a co-worker so I searched on the net and found yours. I was very SURPRISED to find more than the original 24.  

I like to drove my co-worker crazy, she said that it was too much for her and couldn't understand how I got some of them so easy. With a little encouragement on my part she did figure a couple out by herself. Then there were some I had to break down for her so she could figure them out.

That was just the beginning, others saw us working on it and wanted to join in the fun, so I had to print a copy for them. We work in a Treatment Facility for Troubled Teenagers and I'm hoping that some of the youth here get to join in on this puzzler. Many (well over a hundred) will be away from their families for Christmas and we try to make their Holiday as BRIGHT as we can.

I have been working on this for a few days, as I get time, and hopefully have answered enough correctly. Whether I have or not, I have enjoyed the challenge and will continue working till I do get enough correct. I feel it is important enough to spend the time on, to give the youth here a little something to enjoy in their difficult times. My prayer is that God will Bless you Abundantly for your kindness and thoughtfulness.

And shame on anyone who won't put forth any effort with all you've done, or who tries to cheat to get the answers.

God Bless

Lynn S
from Ashland, Ky



-----Original Message-----
From: Kim W
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 10:10 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Dear Rick,
I spent several days searching for an activity for my high school choir students to do on the last day of classes before our "Winter" break. I was so excited to find your puzzle online!

Now I must admit that I am hooked; I have been spending all of my free time trying to figure out the puzzles!!

I have 57 of the answers (I am hoping they are correct!!), and would appreciate if you could send me the full list of answers. (I am hoping to finish the puzzles myself this weekend before I receive your reply!)

I absolutely cannot wait to see how my students do on this quiz. They are sure to be busy!  I intend to divide them into three teams. The team with the best answers gets a whole basket of homemade cookies!

Thank you so much for such a fun Christmas activity and your dedication to the puzzle, website, and fans!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Kim W
Alta, Iowa



-----Original Message-----
From: margaret r
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 10:25 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: christmas Puzzle Fun - Request for Answers

Greetings from the Land of Ice and Snow, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories!

We have attempted to answer the puzzles but we able to answer only the following.  Please forward your answers, we would greatly appreciate it.

We have answered 60 plus of the 100 puzzles. You are great. We have the original sheet copied off from years ago when I first did it. You make Christmas fun. Thank you kindly,  Margaret


-----Original Message-----
From: Tracy D
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 2:57 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Hello Rick,
My name is Tracy D. We are having a Christmas party Sat. Dec. 9, 2006 in La Mesa, NM (outside of El Paso, TX).

We searched the net and found your puzzle after my Mom had called and described the original 24 pictures to us on the phone. (Sorry, no additional news about the origin of the pictures; she was only privy to it a couple of years ago or so.)

We thought we might use it as a game for our guests. What a neat surprise to see 100 pictures and a clue list!  We realize this is short notice, but do you think you could get us the answer sheet as soon as possible? We would like to use them for the party. We really hope so, and we sure do appreciate your puzzles.  Here are our answers to the ones we think we guessed correctly.  Thanks!  Tracy


-----Original Message-----
From: bond family
Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 11:59 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle 2006

Hi Rick!

I saw my name under anecdotes and I remember sending you that email …

12-01-02 Nyree

Hi there! Would you be able to send me a list of answers for the 50 songs. I would like to do this at a Church Christmas dinner...but don't want to get any wrong! Thanks!

It was a legit story!! We used the puzzle anyways despite having no "real answers" but I think we did great! I have spent all morning doing your new updated version and this is what I came up with by myself. Hopefully his qualifies me for some answers this time!

My only suggestion is that you provide an answer key form or chart to fill out since it took a while to type all the numbers for the email…  Thanks!  Nyree


------Original Message-----
From: Bray SSgt Neil
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 5:17 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Here are my answers. Please send me the rest.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bray SSgt Neil
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 1:25 PM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Thanks for the reply. This is going to be fun for my students. I am an instructor for the USMC.  Neil

From: Rick Archer
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 11:29
To: Bray SSgt Neil R
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

I thought you marine drill sergeants were supposed to be tough as nails!

Isn't this puzzle a little too much like "fun" for someone in your position? 

Surely you realize I am just kidding. I think its great. Hope they enjoy it!

-----Original Message-----
From: Bray SSgt Neil
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 1:40 PM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: RE: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

I am an instructor for the electronics school that the Marines go to after they complete boot camp.

We get reprimanded if we treat the marines like they are still in boot camp.

I did have fun with the puzzle. I told them that it was an evaluation test on their attention to detail and their deciphering capabilities. They were all stressed out but realized it was fun. Thanks again.  Neil


-----Original Message-----
From: Erin P
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 6:36 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Hi!  I recently stumbled across your web site when I was looking for the original 24 Christmas carol pictures you had mentioned. A few years ago, when I was in high school, someone had us play the Christmas carol game when I was at a party & I loved it. I'm a nut for word games & puzzles. To top it off, I adore Christmas carols & am always looking for new challenges & games to play.

Needless to say, when I stumbled across your site & found the sheer number of Christmas carols you had pictured, I was thrilled. It's taken me a few days, but I've managed to find quite a few of them (I think) & having the list has helped me with keeping track of which carols I've already used. I forwarded the link to your site to my dad, someone I managed to get addicted to games like this as well & he was thrilled that I had found your site.

Well, like everyone else who appears to e-mail you, I, too, have reached a point where my (to quote Dr. Seuss) "puzzler is sore" & would like some help with the answers. There are quite a few carols that I'm not familiar with on your list and/or I have a limited knowledge about them. I believe I have done enough to meet your quota & will continue to work in the meantime on the puzzle answers I haven't gotten yet. I italicized the ones that I wasn't sure of.

Thanks so much for adding to my yuletide fun! I hope to share this puzzle with some more members of my family & friends!   Erin


----Original Message-----
From: erin r
Sent: Saturday, November 18, 2006 10:12 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: ssqq christmas puzzle

Mr. Archer,

Wow!! I am so glad I found your puzzle site. When I was a kid I had a wrinkled old xerox copy of some similar puzzles that I saved for years. Thank you for taking the time to update and expand them :)

I am writing because I would like to ask permission to use some of them with my students. I am a music teacher at a school for emotionally disturbed children and I think that it would be a fun project for us to do as a group. They are pretty young so I only picked a few for us to work on. It will be a fun way to expose them to some carols they may not know.

(On a side note, I can't imagine how long it took for you to create these. I merely cut and pasted them and it still took me forever...)

Anyway here are the puzzles I would like to use along with the answers I came up with. Also I have attached the file in case you were curious how I had arranged them for my kids. please let me know if it is ok for me to use the puzzles.


-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth M
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 9:41 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Puzzle

Hi Rick,  It's the last day of work before the holiday, and I'm goofing off.  Shame on me.

Every year, a coworker puts an old, old copy of the puzzle in our mail boxes, with 24 songs.  We all waste away a few minutes and run around asking, "what IS # 18????" (It's the Two Front Teeth picture that you redid.)

Last year, when no one could get #18, I found your site. Somehow we finally figured it out.

This year, our 3rd, I could answer 23 quickly, yet still had to think hard to remember #18 again.  Back to your site.  Only this year, I got curious. I went thru your whole site.  I decided that the same 24 puzzles each year was getting old, so I pasted all your pages into one nice document.

Then I decided to waste more time and read the anecdotes.  They were hilarious.  Cannot believe the Christian woman ticked at you for not doing MORE WORK FOR HER.  Hilarious.

So, my gift to you, if you want it, is a document that is printable for your customers who print it out for parties, like us. I also pasted the song list into one. 

Enjoy. Elizabeth


-----Original Message-----
From: Donna
Sent: Saturday, December 23, 2006 3:07 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: SSQQ Christmas Puzzle

Dear Rick,
You saved the day!

My daughter brought home the original 24 picture puzzle from school.  We had fun with that.  She had planned on bringing it to Grammie and Grandpa's house on Christmas for a family game.  Later in the day I was interrupted by a hysterical, screaming 10 year old.  My 13 year old son, in his infinite wisdom, had taken a green permanent marker and had written his answers directly over top of the pictures. I immediately went online to see if I could find a replacement puzzle. Yours came up in my search and I was delighted to see all the extra pictures. I managed to calm my daughter down by showing her that even though her puzzle was destroyed, we could have even more fun with the new pictures.

Needless to say, we have been enjoying ourselves figuring these out.  Even with the song list, some of these are tough.  It is still a work in progress and we have been working on it in between Christmas parties and the like. I would appreciate it if you would send the answers so we will know if we are correct when we bring it to Grammie and Grandpa's house.  We figured out over 70 answers so far.

Thanks so much for your effort. Merry Christmas and God Bless.  Donna S


 -----Original Message-----
From: Rob E
Sent: Wednesday, December 06, 2006 4:39 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas puzzle answers

Rick,  Hello!  I am so glad to have found your puzzle. In 1998 or 1999 right after I got internet but before I owned a color printer. I had a friend print out a puzzle with many of the original items that your puzzle started with. This puzzle however was colorized and possibly it had updated pictures. This had been lost to me until we had a flood this past Labor Day and I had to go through all my stored stuff in the basement and I found it. I was thinking it would be nice to play with at the office but scanning it would cause it to loose quality. I figured I could find it on the net and reprint it. I was pleasantly surprised to find your improved much larger puzzle instead. I will try scanning my old copy that I have at home and send it to you. If I remember the pictures were all decent and in color. This would be a scan of an original since I printed it directly from the electronic format.  I would like to get the answer key for your modern puzzle.

By coincidence, a couple days later I received a copy of the colorized picture from Emily Schankweiler.

-----Original Message-----
From: Emily Schankweiler
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 9:22 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Puzzle
Importance: High

Hi Rick,
Thanks so much for creating this wonderful puzzle - you are much more creative than I. It is nice to be able to pick someone else's brain for party ideas!  I know that my company will enjoy coming up with the answers at our party tonight!  I would like to use the puzzle if that is okay with you.

Please let me know how I did on my answers. For your sake I only sent 50 of my answers because I know you get tons of e-mails like mine. Would you please be so kind as to provide the correct answers?

By the way - the history of the puzzles was very interesting.   Emily from South Carolina

-----Original Message-----
From: Emily Schankweiler
Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 9:32 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Puzzle - original copy additional pictures in color
Importance: High

Rick,
I noticed that some of these pictures have been changed by you to new ones, but here are ones in color for the "original" 24.  Just thought I'd pass it along in case you want them!   Thanks again!  Emily

(Editor's Note: Here is a look at Emily's Color Version )
 

Many People asked for the Answer Sheet without supplying 50 answers.

In 2006 I was flabbergasted at the number of people who asked for the Answer Sheet without contributing their share of the answers.  I would estimate 1 in 5 omitted the answers. 

Since the only way they could reach me was by my email address, I put these two notes next to my email address:

1. Send me 50 answers to receive the Answer Sheet to the 100 Clue Puzzle.
2.
I will NOT respond to any email without the 50 answers.

Many people found my email address, but ignored my request.  Here is a typical example.

 -----Original Message-----
From: Chris H
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2006 10:34 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Need answers please christmas

Rick - I have a luncheon at 11:30 today and would love to use this w/ my team as I just stumbled onto it and it would be a great activity. I usually give out prizes and such for who gets the most correct, any chance I can get the answers now since I am tight on time? It would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks, Chris H
 

One day I received a very interesting email.

----- Original Message -----
From: S Fulbright
To: dance@sspp.com
Sent: Thursday, December 07, 2006 7:50 PM
Subject: sspp christmas puzzle

Thank you. Thank you, Thank you!

I just want to commend you on your site and providing the christmas puzzle to all.  I as others, had the original sheet back in the early 90's.  I made a call to a friend to see if she still had it since I lost my copy; and of course her answer was no.  I thought "Hey I'll try the net" and sure and behold I found your site with the help on google.

I see from reading your emails that you are quite busy and people are really into your site. Well, below are my answers, I hope I have at least 50 so that you can send me the answers, if not, I guess I will try try again :-).  Have a Bless Holiday Season!!!


-----Original Message-----
From: S Fulbright
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 10:39 AM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: Re: ssqq christmas puzzle

Thank you for such a quick response; I am just glad that I got at least 50.

And just a word of encouragement, if you receive emails that do not follow your directions, just ignore them. Don't even response - DELETE them. It is too time consuming to go back and forth with people who do not read or try to take the easy way out.

Again, thank you.  S Fulbright

From: Rick Archer
To: S Fulbright
Sent: Sunday, December 10, 2006 9:14 AM
Subject: RE: ssqq christmas puzzle

Interesting you should write that. I have been deluged by people asking me to bend the rules this season, but how would you know something like that?

-----Original Message-----
From: S Fulbright
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 8:29 AM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: Re: ssqq christmas puzzle

I was reading your antidotes and with the christian lady (Francine W) that you went back and forth with...much too much time consuming!

I work with the public who always think they are exempted from following the rules; I DELETE them until they comply with the requirements.  You should do the same with your request for the Christmas puzzle.

Be Bless and have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  S Fulbright


I decided Mr. Fulbright was correct.  My resolve was immediately tested - by coincidence, the same day I received Mr. Fulbright's final email, I received this email from Judi C. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Judi C
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 6:21 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Carol Quiz

Please send me your answers.

(Editor's Note: She sent in 20 answers, not 50. So I stuck to my guns and didn't answer.)

-----Original Message-----
From: Judi C
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 6:08 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Re: Christmas Carol Quiz

I do hope you will send me the answers to the Christmas Carol Quiz. I did try hard to figure them out. Please?

-----Original Message-----
From: Judi C
Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2006 9:03 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Re: Christmas Carol Quiz

I really worked hard on the puzzle.  Why won't you send me the answers?

-----Original Message-----
From: Judi C
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2006 8:27 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: christmas Answers Request

This is my fourth request, Won't you please send me the answers ti your Christmas Carol Quiz?
I've spent hours, and I just want to check the answer that I sent you and find out the one's I didn't know.
I'd really appreciate it.  Judi

(Editor's Note: After 4 tries, my conscience couldn't take it anymore so I sent her the answers. But don't tell anybody.)
 

Internet Plagiarism

One day in December 2006 I received the following email:

-----Original Message-----
From: M, ANNAMARIA
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 12:59 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Carol Picture Answers

Can you please provide the answer sheet for the Christmas Carol Pictures?  Nice puzzle, by the way.


-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer [mailto:dance@ssqq.com]
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 2:11 PM
To: M, ANNAMARIA
Subject: RE: Christmas Carol Picture Answers

Sorry, Annamaria, but you were 10 short.  Can you give me another 10?
 

-----Original Message-----
From: M, ANNAMARIA
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 12:59 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Carol Picture Answers

The Website specifically says 40… but OK, here are 10 more

Annamaria M
Fire, Safety & Security
 

That exchange left me very puzzled.  I went back to my web site and searched endlessly for something that said "40 answers".  After all, she had said 'SPECIFICALLY'.  Why was she so sure of herself?  Finally, I gave up.  It wasn't worth the effort. 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: DeAnna C
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 5:48 PM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: Christmas Puzzle

Thanks for all the work you put in this. This was exactly what I've been looking for the last 2 months!

Your graphics are great!  Thanks for sharing.
Here are my 40 answers.  Hope I got some of these right.

I was mystified. The woman's answer sheet was a perfect 40 for 40!  I could see she wasn't trying to trick me.  She honestly thought "40" was the target number.  So I sent her the entire answer sheet.  But I also thought I would ask a question.

--- Rick Archer <dance@ssqq.com> wrote:

Nice work, DeAnna!  Thank you for playing.

If you don't mind, I have a couple questions.  Why did it take you two months to find it? And how did you finally succeed in finding it?

 -----Original Message-----
From: DeAnna C
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 6:07 AM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: RE: Christmas Puzzle

Stumbled across it from a link on another website.

I didn't pursue it any further.  But I sensed something was going on.   The very same day, another email came in that broke the story open.

-----Original Message-----
From: Stephanie Walker
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 10:41 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject: answers to X-Mas carol puzzles


Hello -
I am a teacher in a public school in Maryland and I wanted to give my students the carol puzzle as an extra credit assignment, but I can't check their work without the answers. The website  http://jokelibrary.net/xOtherAtoM/b_to_e/c4-puzzle/puzzles.html  or http://www.ssqq.com/archive/christmaspuzzle00.htm  stated that I had to send the answers to 40 of the puzzles in order to receive all of them. If so, I will forward them with your affirmative reply, but if not, could you please email the answers? Thanks so much for your help!

Stephanie Walker
English Teacher

This explained one mystery - why so many people kept sending me 40 answers instead of 50 as my own site requested.  So on December 20, I decided to visit Joke Library.  Here is what I found:


I discovered that they had reprinted 80 of my pictures.  I immediately sent off this letter to Joke Library:

 -----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 11:54 AM
To: JokeLibrary@aol.com
Subject: Please remove my puzzle from your page

I am the creator of the Christmas Carol Picture Puzzle.
http://ssqq.com/archive/christmaspuzzle00.htm

I resent your unauthorized use of my private work. Please remove it immediately.

Rick Archer
SSQQ Dance Studio
Houston, Texas

 -----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer [mailto:dance@ssqq.com]
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 3:24 AM
To: JokeLibrary@aol.com
Subject: please remove ssqq christmas carol puzzle from your site

Your use of my private work is unauthorized. This is my second request.

http://jokelibrary.net/xOtherAtoM/b_to_e/c4-puzzle/puzzles.html


 -----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer [mailto:dance@ssqq.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2006 7:22 AM
To: JokeLibrary@aol.com
Subject: third request to remove ssqq christmas carol puzzle from your website

Apparently you are ethically-challenged. You have no right to copy my work on your web site.

http://jokelibrary.net/xOtherAtoM/b_to_e/c4-puzzle/puzzles.html

Rick Archer
SSQQ Dance Studio
Houston, Texas

Until you see an answer in this spot, you can assume I have not received a reply.  Whether Joke Library responds or not and how they respond remains to be seen.  Adding insult to injury was this email on Christmas Eve:

-----Original Message-----
From: GUIDO J
Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2006 6:20 AM
To: dance@ssqq.com
Subject:

Hello...I need the answers for a party tonight.  It said 40, so here are the 40 I know:

2-
5-
7-
9-
10 -
12 -
15 -
23-
25 -
27 -
32-
8 -
24 -
28 -
20-
18 -
42 -
13 -
  (Editor's Note: I deleted the 18 answers)


-----Original Message-----
From: Rick Archer
Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2006 7:12 AM
To: GUIDO J
Subject: RE:

First of all, you are fortunate to even get a response. My spam program had your email marked for deletion for lack of a title, but I thought I would double-check.

Second, the requirement is 50 answers. If you had gone to the correct web site instead of someone's plagiarized version of my own work, you would discover the minimum is 50, not 40.

And finally, what kind of moron do you think I am?  You said, "here are the 40 I know" and you listed 18 answers.  You didn't think I could add?

Figure out the answers yourself.

-----Original Message-----
From: GUIDO
Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2006 12:18 PM
To: Rick Archer
Subject: RE:

And Happy Holidays to you too!!  I found a similar, much more user-friendly game anyhow. 
 

And with that note, I will conclude the Anecdote Page for now.

As a parting thought, I am very grateful to all of you who have played my Christmas Carol Puzzle Game over the years.  Your interest makes me proud to make this contribution.  Thank you very much.

Rick Archer

   
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