A general topic interview with me was just posted over at Force Council, if that sort of thing interests you. It seems like every time I turn around lately, I’m giving an interview somewhere. I’ve given nearly a half a dozen newspaper interviews this month just about Winter-een-mas.

I still find it amazing that something that started on a whim has been embraced by so many people. I think it really shows the magic and strength that community makes possible.

I had a reader email me to ask why we needed a holiday to celebrate video games. The answer is, simply, that we don’t. We don’t need one. Technically we don’t need video games, either. We don’t need television, or computers, or cars.

However, I am of the opinion that the good things in this life should be celebrated. Even the simple every day stuff. Family, friends, loved ones, even the pasttimes that bring us enjoyment. Ideally, we’d celebrate these things every day of our lives, we all know that doesn’t happen. We lead busy, hectic lives, and a lot of things get taken for granted. So it’s easier for us to set aside specific times, “holidays” or observances, during which we can remind ourselves to focus on the good stuff, be thankful for the good stuff.

With all of the bad stuff in this world, I think it’s a nice practice to remember the good stuff. Even if for only a few days a year.

Winter-een-mas officially starts on Wednesday, so I hope you’ve all got gaming plans. If you’re looking for Winter-een-mas events that you can attend, you can check out the Winter-een-mas forum on the website.

This weekend I will be in Boston, MA for Vericon. I won’t be bringing any merchandise to sell, but I will happily sign anything you bring with you. I’ll be doing some panels here and there, but mostly I’ll just be hanging out, chatting and playing video games. Vericon is the only convention I will be attending in 2006.

Anyway, I think the main panel I’m doing is on Saturday afternoon. You’ll have to check the schedule. Otherwise you can probably find me attached to a video game somewhere, or pestering my friend Mookie at his table. Maybe I’ll even be in a sketching mood. You never know. Come say hello. We’ll go throw Jell-O at people or something.