I would love to hear this piece during the holidays! It develops with many compelling actions of a genuine Christmas experience. The sign and voicemail moments are quite memorable, as well as the visceral scene of cutting the tree. The narrator also took gentle pocks at himself, nice!

I did not like the beginning, too in my face, although I realize this an essay. While I agree with the sentiment towards Christmas, I would rather be shown through the narrative in another way. Cleaning-up the beginning would create a "stare at the radio piece" for me.