Santa Claus is returning early to Richmond. No, not the jolly old elf of Thomas Nast’s creation, but a buttoned-down, gray flannel version who looks remarkably like Bob McDonnell. Regrettably, his generosity will eventually cost taxpayers plenty.

According to news reports, His Excellency plans to pursue a “massive spending campaign.” That’s quite a change even from a year ago, when the Governor and General Assembly managed to reduce state spending back to levels last seen in 2006. It seems the exercise was so trying that a bit of relief spending is now in order.