Christmas or Bust

Writer Russell Banks tells the story of a teenager, estranged from his family, who plans a triumphant return home for the holidays. But when he puts his plan into action, it drives his family further away, and simultaneously puts him on the wrong side of the law. Banks is the author most recently of a short story collection A Permanent Member of the Family. A version of this story is in his novel Rule of the Bone. (13 minutes)

To end the show, a 16-year-old employee at the Orange Julius-Dairy Queen at Arundel Mills Mall tells Ira the incredible Christmas gift she has planned for her mom. (2 minutes)