@robert, I have gotten way further in Jingle Bell Blues than I had any right to anticipate. I am actually on the last lick in the solo.  What fun it has been - and continues to be.  I am almost done but struggle with the last lick in the solo. Actually, my first struggle is whether I should continue to wrestle with the lick or ask you what I'm about to ask.  

I've decided that, given where I am at in my ability, and the fact that I am so close and want to finish it this season, I'm going to ask.  And hopefully finish.

I have gotten through everything, the rhythm, the melody, and all the licks of the solo.  It remains to be seen if I will be able to string all the licks of the solo together at the speed of the song.  But you said in your introduction that "some parts of the solo may be challenging for a beginner".  That is certainly true for me with the very last lick.  I won't be able to play it at full speed.  

Do you think there is any way to "dumb down" lick 9? It's the last lick of the solo, I'm showing it here:

Something, a measure and a half, that will preserve your feeling and intent for the song, that is not quite as fast?

If you don;t want to change it or don't have time to come up with something, I understand.

Thanks, Robert.