Never made jerky??? If you like jerky from the bag, it is 10 times better when you make it yourself.

I'd be surprised if your piping actually sucked. Your tensions are excellent in your knitting (as seen through the internets) - so I just assumed....

Hallowe'en lasts about a week. But Christmas usually fills the house from Dec 1 until Jan 2. It's very rare that the tree is still up after the new year.