Every year as a kid growing up in Georgia, I was desperate for snow at Christmas. When you live somewhere without stereotypical winter weather, it can seem like the most magical setting for the holiday imaginable. That’s what Courtenay Rudzinski was thinking when she and her family booked a destination Christmas: “Durango was a two-day drive from Houston, and I’d spent weeks planning our itinerary: ski lessons, snowmobiling, a scenic Polar Express train ride through the mountains, and day trips to Mesa Verde National Park and the Grand Canyon. We even brought our dogs and a small Christmas tree. What could go wrong?”

Turns out? Everything. And today she’s sharing her very funny — and also harrowing! — story. Definitely read it before you make any hotel reservations.

Kelly Faircloth, Executive Editor

“Queer love stories may be having a moment right now, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that the thriller genre is crawling with queer characters and relationships, too,” writes Emily Weaver. “From open marriages and secret relationships to violent acts of passion and missing girlfriends, we’ve found it all. While genres like contemporary fiction and romance can read too personal or relatable, books rooted in mystery and horror transport our imaginations to insurmountable places — just be sure to sleep with a nightlight on if you get easily spooked.” And she’s got some great suggestions for you.