If there is anything that is true about small towns, it’s that holidays are the electricity that keep a community humming along. From my experience, and own childhood in a small Midwest town, its the celebrations of all sorts that form the backbone to its rhythm.

So here’s to holidays of all sorts, the things we celebrate that make us us. And here’s a collection of five original short stories that tell a variety of holidays, in a variety of ways.

The first story is an inspiring one, a chance-encounter meet-cute between two people from opposite sides of the tracks on New Year’s Eve leading to a connection that leads to something more. Then a story that’s a tragedy, leading to a mystery on a wedding anniversary that sparks all sorts of questions—and a deep desire for justice. And what’s a holiday collection without a rollicking Halloween adventure? That’s story three, featuring Max Blade, who does Halloween like no other because the Blade’s have for generations.

While some of our holidays are personal, many are national, worldwide even. The first Tuesday of November, every two years, is one sort of holiday—sort of. Election Day has arrived in this small town, giving one Junctioneer a headache. Speaking of national holidays: no way could I offer a collection without a special Thanksgiving Day closer.

The things we celebrate, our holidays, are the stuff of life, especially small-town living. So here’s to holidays, big and small, national and personal. Here’s to what brings us together and holds us together—in any number of ways.