Just in time for Thanksgiving, I got the news that a story of mine, “R3,” an alternative Christmas reindeer story, has been accepted by Strange Horizons, one of my favorite online publications.

I also had a great time at Appomattox Regional High School. Faculty and students were terrific. The old auditorium was a great place to read, and new story “The Broken Dream Factory,” got rave reviews.

We’ll be having Thanksgiving dinner with Sarah’s family in Richmond, always a delightful time. We won’t be doing much shopping, trying to bring down the national average. I like Christmas. It’s a great story. But I fail to see the connection between Peace on Earth and a new Playstation Three. Maybe if I had more disposable income I’d get it. But it’s funny how expensive it’s gotten to celebrate the birthday of a guy who always had such nice things to say about rich people and the pointless acquisition of more and more stuff.

One of the premier gawdy light displays in the city is only a couple of blocks from our house. People cruise by in limos on a pilgrimage. This makes sense to me. Can’t you just see the manger dripping in lights, visible for miles? The Kid is here! Remember—I did grow up in Texas.  Happy holidays.