“I think it says ‘fragile,’ honey.”
It’s the interpersonal aspects of the holidays that cause the most stress — not because we hate everyone, either, although rage does occasionally play a role. It’s more about performance …

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree: how could such a lovely symbol cause so many problems? But it does — or perhaps it’s the futile quest for arboreal perfection that ties us in knots. Whatever …

“How many people do you think Keckler and Bunting offended with this poll? Show us with your hands.”
Today’s poll focuses on all manner of media disappointments: Christmas movies you’ve never really gotten, songs you can’t …

This one might be too obscure even for the awesome powers of the Nation, but I figure it can’t hurt to try. There’s this song that my dad always sang when we were going to …

“Shahhhhpping!”
We begin our roast of Christmas present in the retail ring. Have we left things out? Probably. That’s what the comment section is for. And therapy. And bourbon.

We should say right up front here that we don’t actually hate the holidays. Well, maybe Keckler does, but I don’t think so; I think she’s like me, in that she finds many things about …

Hi Sars!
With the holidays fast approaching, I have a grammar and gift-giving question for you.
I work in the editorial department of a national company, but my other editorial cohorts (three fabulous women!) work in …

I hope you will care to enjoy my rich baritone contributions to the Extra Hot Great podcast’s ninth episode, “C’est Magnifique,” in which we discussed a plethora of topics, including but not limited to the …

Dear Sars,
I’m hoping that The Nation can help me figure out what to buy my husband for Christmas, because I am stumped. Here’s his biographical sketch:
He’s 45 years old.He likes books, but reads slowly …

We covered quite a bit in the live chat last night — enjoy the Ralph Wiggum School of Segues “transitions” between topics! — but if you couldn’t make it, or have come to the comments …