Grey Cup time.

Better-to-give-than-receive time. 

Especially when the gift he’s delivering – himself, with a head of steam, straight up the gullet – is wrapped in a punishing-yet-festive 254-lb. red-and-white gift box.

During the lead-in to kick-off of Sunday’s Western Final, Jerome Messam had been challenged by outsiders to deliver a more characteristic performance in the most crucial assignment of the year to date.

And the big man delivered upon request, pounding out 71 yards along ol’ terra firma, including a vital 14-yard TD bulldoze, and 44 more on pass receptions.

So in the immediate aftermath of the 32-28 conquest of the Edmonton Eskimos, his game face was chiseled on so firmly that it might’ve been up there on Mt. Rushmore.

Mitchell hands off to Messam during the Western Final (Photo by David Moll)

By Monday, after a bit of shut-eye, Messam’s furrowed brow had lessened ever-so slightly (“I’ll try and be a little less salty,’’ was the promise heading to media availability inside the player’s lounge at McMahon Stadium).

“It’s tough,’’ he conceded of the not-so-glowing recent reviews. “We’re pro athletes. It comes with the territory. But for the most part, no one knows what’s going on in-house. Everybody’s looking from the outside-in and they’re entitled to say what they want. That’s the business.

“But I feel like we’re all human. We read the headlines and we all have emotions, too. It is what it is. You’re always going to have criticism so you’ve got to be able to deal with it.”

The skyscraper-bungalow ball-toting tandem of Messam and Roy Finch – separated by eight inches in height and 89 pounds in weight  – kept the Eskimo defence off balance all afternoon long.

Imagine facing a pitcher armed with both Nolan Ryan’s chin-music heat and Phil Niekro’s naughty knuckler.

“I’m glad he’s fired up,” said coach Dave Dickenson. “I’m glad he’s motivated. Especially guys in their 30s. How many more chances are you going to get?

“I did appreciate his performance. It was what I was expecting. Whether he needs a little chip on his shoulder, that’s him.

“But he did play very well for us.”

And plans on being that good, or better, against the Argos.

“It was a hard-fought game but I feel good,’’ declared Messam. “Body feels good.

Celebrating a Finch TD during the Western Final (Photo by David Moll)

“It’s gonna be a crazy schedule, Grey Cup week. Lots of media obligations and stuff like that and not really knowing what the facilities are like right now.

“As far as practice, we’ve got to have laser-focus and just treat it like we would if we were home.

“The first couple days you soak it all in. But it’s a business trip, like usual. We’re on a mission.

“So take some time, enjoy it with your families early but as the week goes on you’ve got to buckle down and get ready to go.

“Last year was my first time going to a Grey Cup so now I kinda know what’s going on, how to go about things. Everybody’s going to do what they do personally, differently.

“Hopefully everyone can realize we are there on a business trip.”

At 32, for Messam, that business is centred on finally, after nine years of trying, collecting a large, shiny ring.

“Oh, yeah. I’ve been grinding hard for that,’’ he said. “I’m just blessed to play in the Grey Cup again, you know.

“Some people never make it there. We’re here again, second year in a row. So I just want to finish the deal, man, and put that stamp on my career.”

Sunday’s pulse-racing, perspiration-inducing victory was in direct contrast to the Western Final of a year ago, a 42-15 pistol-whipping of the B.C. Lions.

This was a nail-biter.

The Eskimos surprised many by electing to kick a 20-yard Sean Whyte field goal with 1:56, down a converted touchdown, third-and-four with the ball sitting at the Stampeders’ 13-yard line.

Edmonton could never inch closer than 32-28.

“It helps build character,’’ said Messam of the tightness of the win. “We believe in each other. We went down 14 early. But when you’re up in a game, blowing another team out, you’re having fun.

“It’s easier on the nerves, to say the least. Last night, man, it was tough. Hats off to our guys.”

Santa Jerome then permitted himself an early indulgence of holiday cheer.

“But thanks to them for kicking that field goal.”

Ho, ho, ho. And a very Merry Christmas to you, too.