it's the last puzzle of the year here at outside the box. i'm on vacation next week—happy holidays and safe travels to all of you on the move in the near future.

in case you missed the announcement with yesterday's variety puzzle: if you like these puzzles, consider giving a gift subscription to a discerning friend or family member. existing subscribers are eligible for a $5 discount on gift subscriptions; contact me for details.

looking for an outside-the-box gift idea for that crossword-loving someone in your life? (see what i did there?) get in touch with me about a gift subscription; existing subscribers can get a $5 discount on gift subscriptions. meanwhile, reward yourself with this week's variety puzzle: something different.

happy hanukkah!

hey, did you know that there was a new patrick berry rows garden this past weekend in the wall street journal? you're welcome.

the constructor of this week's variety puzzle needs no introduction: brendan emmett quigley, by any measure one of the all-time great cruciverbalists.

the solvers have spoken: we're going back to the original ordering for bloom clues.

as you know, last week i reordered the bloom clue sets. some people immediately voiced their displeasure with this change, but i'm interested in hearing from everybody. that's why i'm running a poll with this week's rows garden. read on to find out how to vote.

i'm really excited about this week's variety puzzle: a vowelless crossword by andy kravis with some hot, hot fill. links after the jump.

two little announcements about today's puzzle: first, one of my test solvers pointed out that in the clue list, it would make more sense to list medium blooms before light blooms, since the top blooms in the grid are medium. i agreed, so i've made the change, starting now.