We here at Defense Diaries are going to take a brief respite from the murder and

mayhem that defines the true prime world because well, it is the season to be

jolly. Now we are acutely aware here at Defense Diaries that the holiday season

is not a joyous magical time of year filled with love and family for everyone.

No? For some it's a time of year that can amplify one's loneliness and

depression and if you're one of those folks out there that should fall into such

a category, it is our sincere hope that this little holiday episode, even if

it's fleeting, brings a small smile to your face and lets you know that you're

not alone because that is the secret power of storytelling to entertain and to

help remind people that they're a part of something. Part of this community

who is there to help and to listen. And for those of you who adore this season

as I do, I hope that this episode serves as a bit of a reminder during those

times that you are running yourselves ragged, shopping for gifts, preparing

for gatherings, cooking, cleaning, just all of it. That there is a greater

significance to the holidays than the day that is the culmination of all that

work and that significance is different for all of us as individuals but for me

why I love it so is because it is the only opportunity for children who will

one day grow up to be adults to suspend disbelief and to allow magic and

wonder to be a real part of their lives because as adults we all know the

horrors of everyday life. We talk about it all the time on the pod. Life can be

and often is brutal. So being able to give that gift to our children the

possibility that something magical exists in the world if even for only a brief

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