What You Asked Santa! — Here Comes 2026
I’ve Got Your Number and Your Wish List
Who’s in the kitchen with Dinah? —I am always curious.
Below are results from my recent Reader’s Survey, in your words.
The Pool
About 60 people responded. Is that too small, considering my subscriber count?
I don’t think so, from what I’ve studied. For every person that says, “I’m from Buffalo,” or “I love anchovies,” you can extrapolate— it’s an indicator.
Can YOU still take the survey? Sure; it’s nine questions. Here’s the link.
How Old Are You?
Readers here are about 50/50, between GenX and Boomers.
There were a couple dozen of young-un’s who replied— the under 40 group.
I have a feeling this age range is also a feature of Substack in general; especially on the political and book-ish side of the street. What do you think?
Where Are You?
Okay, my favorite answer to this, was the reader who lives in The Holy See, in Vatican City. Welcome, Padre!
I wonder if it’s actually Pope Bob . . .
Internationally, I got replies from: Québec, Ontario, Vancouver, Southern France, Frankfurt, Vatican City, New Zealand.
In the US, here’s the line up:
Alaska-2, Arizona-2, California-20, Colorado-2, Illinois-2
Louisiana-2, Maryland-3, Massachusetts-3, Michigan-3
Minnesota-3, Missouri-2, Nebraska-1, New Jersey-2
Oregon-3, Pennsylvania-3, South Dakota-1,
Texas-2, Utah-1, Vermont-1, Washington-3
Best Movie You Watched This Year
I offered that you could list any movie, not just new ones. I knew there would be few duplicates, so it’s interesting to see the “new films” that had enough notoriety and power to reach more than a few of you.
The films you all mentioned more than once were:
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners,
Demi Moore in The Substance, (each horror, note!) —
A documentary about the late poet Andrea Gibson, Come See Me in the Good Light.
Yet the most relevant and popular answer, which I can guarantee you is sweeping the nation, was: “I haven’t seen any movies this year.”
15% of you said that.
None of you said, “I haven’t read a book this year.” None of you turned off music. Most of you watched TV of some kind, whether it was sports, news, or popular shows.
When you hear the movie industry is in trouble, you can see it right in your own friend group. Are there must-see movies being made? Yes, a few. I keep promising you I’ll be releasing my list— I’m not a tease, it’s just that most of MY picks aren’t streaming as of today, and I want to wait a couple weeks to see if that situation improves. It’s so frustrating to tell you a favorite when you can’t see it anywhere except my house! I promise: Before Xmas.
Memorable Television in 2025
Guess what the most popular answer in the TV category was? —“The first Stephen Colbert episode, after they told him they fired him.”
Yeah, that was pretty darn special.
“They left me alive!”
Also listed more than once were:
The Peewee Herman documentary, The Pitt, Severance, Adolescence, and Pluribus.
Funniest answer: “Mannix.” Okay, so now I have to find that series again.
6% of you pulled the plug and watched no TV at all.
Books You Loved This Year
This topic deserves its own post, as so many of you are writers yourselves. You are, every one of you, degenerate BOOKWORMS.
Most of you listed a string of titles you’d love to share with me. Boy, am I going to keep my library busy; I’m interested in all of them.You have given me such a great gift with your suggestions, thank you.
I’d say at least half the titles you mentioned were backlist, many of them old classics or 20th century works you’re uncovering. There is tremendous interest in understanding the times we’re living in, by reading Cassandra-like volumes from long-ago. I’m right there, with you.
The only newish title mentioned more than once, was the very deserving James by Percival Everett.
More on the books you loved, in future posts… Also, the music you praised. Gotta do that in a separate column, and I’ll provide listening links too.
Audio Stories
A clean divide: Half of you are fans of audiobooks and podcasts; the others, not at all.
Those of you who listen in, are discerning about the actor/performer. Me too. I would love to write a story about casting my audiobooks, that was one of the most rewarding (and comical) parts.
You are mostly listening to fiction, and you have given me a GREAT list to pursue.
One of my old colleagues in the audio industry, dearly beloved, simply replied: “Fuck audiobooks”. Ha!
Yes, when you work in publishing and entertainment worlds, it is very important to have a sense that you are ready to jump out the window at any moment.
What Did You Ask For, from Santa?
Time, Sleep, & Retirement: 25%
“Am I retiring, or did I just get canned? I don’t care, I’m going to bed for a week.”
“A new bed! I’m want a grownup mattress that didn’t come out of a box.”
“A trailer hitch for the car, and a boat trailer to pull a couple of kayaks.”
45% Want to Travel— sixty percent domestic, forty percent abroad.
“A private jet that leaves no carbon footprint”
“A trip to Hawaii in January”
Some of you are leaving the US for good.
Most of you want to see old friends, and are mindful you can’t take it for granted. It wasn’t like, “I want to see the lights of Paris.” You have loved ones on your mind. So do I!
4 of you said you are looking for a New and Good Place to Live.
“I dream of an elaborate and delicious home-cooked meal for which I am called to the table and excused afterwards, with no need to do anything but eat, drink, and enjoy...”
“Senior subsidized housing”
30% of you asked for an End to the Evil Empire, & Piggie’s Demise.
“Money and Lots of It”
“More self awareness. And a new kitchen-aid mixer.”
“A $4800 Japanese fountain pen whose body is inlaid with gold dust and mother of pearl”
“The R is TOO DAMN HIGH”
“I’m really hoping for Brian Eno’s ‘Oblique Strategies‘ deck but if Santa doesn’t deliver I swear I’m going to get it for myself this time.” (SB: It is SO WORTH IT).
Whirled Peas
“My standard wish for peace on earth and good will to all. We have a long ways to go on that matter, which could start with Trump having a major stroke and a complete house cleaning in Washington from top to bottom. However, I’m cognizant that my winning lottery ticket wish is more realistic.”
Love/Romance/Sexy Times: 26% want more of this, and you deserve it!
“A new friend or partner”
“Shit free anal sex please and thank you.” (Ha! I have just the book for you-SB)
A Reliable Car - This Came Up a Lot
“Money for haircuts and food and keeping my car running and a chance to go visit all my favorite adult arcades in the Massachusetts/Rhode Island/Connecticut (and that’s why I need to keep my car running well.”
“Anything cashmere, and a car… my car blew up.”
Four of You Asked For: Baseball
Medication
“One pound of Blue Dream bud. Otherwise, I have everything I could possibly want!”
New Year, New Broom
I asked you what you expected or predicted in 2026, and this was one of the most interesting and popular questions. No one abstained. Equal parts dread and insubordination.
“Fasten your seatbelts...”
“I’ll be living in the past like always.”
Protest, Elections, Resistance, Downfall: 69%
“Catastrophe, peace, protests, rock’n’roll, chocolate”
Tough economy
Collapse of Russia
Uncertainty
Idiocracy (It’s not going to get any better)
New Job, New Gig: 8
Calm at work
Another trip to Ukraine
I’d like to see my brother
I’d like to meet a man
Triage Team: 2
“Trauma informed practice, crisis management, triage team, cultural humility, good faith”
Dogs, Birds, Cats, Life with Animals: 4
We need a new dog!
“Kittens incoming”
“I have no idea what is going to happen next. I know I will probably stay home and feed hummingbirds.”
Making Music: 6
“Destroying AI”
“My band to get signed to a bigger label, and to stand in silent snowy woods in the dark and hear an owl”
Survival Frugality Basics: 5
“Enough money to not have to skip meals.”
Writing/publishing: 25%
Making zines that don’t obey in advance”
Health, Getting Better: 26%
“A new camera lens, and a bladder that works properly.”
“Continued resistance, frugality, writing, reconciling past trauma, maybe Scotland!”
“Zero funerals to attend in 2026” - I’m afraid this won’t be possible, but I hear you.
Cooking/Growing/Doing Things: 6
“Winning at Mahjong”
“Midterm elections, grandkids growing up, encroaching arthritis, plant sweet peas on the patio next spring. Being 84, a number I like (3x4x7), instead of 83, a boring prime number.”
Helping/Witnessing Loved Ones Dying: 7
Checking in on my mom in Detroit in May. She doesn’t have long and she knows it.
The thrills and chills of Babies/Kids/Graduates/Young Adults: 24%
“I’m having a baby.” (Mazeltov!)
“Sending my 17-year-old off to college”
Hangin’ with Favorite People, Laughs, Keep On Carrying On: Nearly Everyone
Live Event! Boop, I’m in New York
You’re Invited . . .
Susie Bright presents: Behind the Scenes of “The Celluloid Closet”
December 12, 2025
Grayhaven Motel, 657 Elmira Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
In 1996, Susie and friends Rob Epstein, Jeffery Friedman, Lily Tomlin, Army Maupin, Shirley McLaine, Gore Vidal, Harvey Fierstein, Whoopi Goldberg – made a mouth-dropping movie about the “secret” gay world of Old Hollywood, when being in the closet was de rigueur, but imparting queer aesthetics was EVERYTHING.
The documentary is based on the work of film historian Vito Russo, which went on to win Peabody, Emmy, and Sundance accolades. More importantly, Celluloid Closet rewrote Tinsel Town history with the truth.
In Case You Missed It
Solstice Kümmel Soup for a New Kind of Day
Potato soup, as found in cafeterias and cans, is forgettable at best.
So fun! I wish I could join you at Greyhaven for the screening!
Loved hearing what others wanted , watched and wrote. Another keeper of a post. Looking forward to the music one!