It is a chilly, but bright, Christmas Eve afternoon here in Houston, and I've been enjoying the day spent in my hundred year old white wood frame house at the edge of the big city. There is nothing like being surrounded by these solid walls that have seen so many Christmases passed as the musical strains of my family's '40s and '50s records drift across the now-extinct hardwoods and meander through the snug old rooms, intermingled with the laughter of children playing in the crisp streets of this humble Second Ward neighborhood that I love--thrilled with the anticipation that Christmas Eve has always evoked in those who are young at heart. I'm writing today to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season. I will write more as we ring in another exciting year full of adventure and discovery, but in the meantime I will leave you with a link to the AmericanaOK Christmas radio show, based in Edinburgh, Scotland and syndicated to CMR Nashville, KYOU Radio-San Francisco, and Radio Six International. Host, Tom Fahey, has put together an eclectic mix of original Christmas songs that goes beyond the standard holiday selections we normally hear at this time of the year. "Be My Valentine (On Christmas)" is the third song on the show, and one couldn't ask for a nicer introduction to it than Mr. Fahey's: http://www.myspace.com/americanaok Just click and enjoy. And, most of all, cherish this time with friends and family, for life is mysterious, wond'rous, and unpredictable. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Y'all come!