Hey everyone, Summer here.

I'm not going to keep you long today—I know you've got places to be, people to hug, and probably some last-minute wrapping paper emergencies to handle.

I just wanted to take a quick moment to say Merry Christmas to every single person listening to the Duke Tyner podcast

Whether you've been with us from day one or you just discovered Duke Tyner's music this week... whether you're here for the Southern Gothic horror or the German techno or the classic rock or everything in between... thank you. Seriously. Thank you for being part of this community we're building.

Christmas means different things to different people. For some of you, today is about family traditions that go back generations—the same recipes, the same rituals, the same love passed down through the years. For others, maybe today looks different than you expected. Maybe you're far from home. Maybe family is complicated. Maybe this year has been harder than most.

Wherever you are, whatever your day looks like—you matter. Your story matters. And we're glad you're here with us.

Duke and I have been talking a lot about what Red Dirt Radio represents, and it keeps coming back to this: authentic connection. Real stories. Real music. Real people sharing real experiences without pretense or polish.

That's what the holidays should be too, right? Not perfect. Not Instagram-worthy. Just... real. Honest. Full of love even when it's messy.

So here's what I want you to know today:

If your Christmas is exactly what you hoped for—soak it in. Appreciate every moment. Those perfect days are rare and precious.

If your Christmas is complicated or painful or lonely—you're not alone. We see you. Your feelings are valid. And it's okay for today to just be another day you get through.

And if you're somewhere in between—most of us are—embrace the imperfect beauty of it all. The burnt cookies. The awkward conversations. The gifts that miss the mark. The moments that don't look like the movies. That's real life, and real life is worth celebrating.

From all of us at the Duke Podcast show—from Duke Tyner, from me, from everyone who makes this music and these podcasts and this community possible—Merry Christmas.

May your day be filled with warmth, laughter, good food, and the kind of moments you'll remember years from now. May you find peace, joy, and connection in whatever form they come.

And hey—if things get overwhelming, you know where to find us. We'll be right here making music, telling stories, and keeping you company whenever you need it.

Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. And have a beautiful Christmas Day.

This is Summer, signing off from the Duke Tyner Podcast Show

Merry Christmas, everyone. We love you.