There's a little something for everyone in this Cozy Christmas cornucopia of Christmas cheer! I talk a bit about the antique festival in our town, share some happy news from a listener, talk about Christmas in Iran, and I have a special guest read today's story! Martin Achatz from the Lit for Christmas podcast stops by to read his essay, Gloop Christmas. Also I announce a new Christmas in July Contest that begins today! 0:00 Introduction 2:18 Walnut’s Antique Weekend 4:00 Happy Father’s Day - Listener Memory 5:28 Listener Memory - Christmas in Iran 12:25 Cozy Christmas in July Contest! 16:28 Lit for Christmas Promo 18:35 Gloop Christmas by Martin Achatz 32:07 Another Christmas Story by Anthony Caruso Recommendation and Concluding thoughts

Hello everyone! This episode was supposed to be out last week but due to Graduations and crazy life stuff it got delayed until today. Today's episode I talk about the book Christmas: A Biography, and then read you another story by Ellis Parker Butler. In today's story Joanne is home from school for the Christmas holidays. She's hoping for a nice, relaxing rest but her next door neighbor and prankster Tommy Bassick might have something to say about that... Find out what happens to her on Christmas morning in this delightful and cozy Christmas story! Deck the Halls  by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100368 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Merry Christmas - Today's episode will be an interview with Bill from thevillagecollector.com. You can also find him on the forums over at mymerrychristmas.com. I love Christmas villages and I'm excited to have Bill back with us. In the interview we chat about his website and what will be going on there this year. We talk about some trends in collecting and his on going hobby of collecting the best videos of Christmas villages. Whether you are a collector or just an admirer of Christmas villages, you won't want to miss this episode! Music: Deck the Halls B by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100368 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Happy May! In today's episode, I share a new segment called "This (Christmas) Day in History"... we go back to Christmas 1990 and learn about the creation of the World Wide Web - is that the best Christmas present ever? Then Gracie and I chat about her birthday, and then we play a Christmas Trivia Game - who do you think will win? Finally, I read a Christmas story entitled, "The Canned Plum Pudding" by Ellis Parker Butler. Have you ever had a regifting experience that went horribly wrong? Let this story serve as a lesson for you, and think twice before you send that gift off to someone else. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 This (Christmas) Day in History 08:30 Gracie’s Birthday and Christmas Trivia 29:00 Introduction to the life of Ellis Parker Butler 32:40 Story: The Canned Plum Pudding by Ellis Parker Butler 45:20 Closing Comments and some very interesting comments about the Nishnabotna River. And a blooper.  Music: Deck the Halls B by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100368 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100270 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Works Cited: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Berners-Lee Weaving the Web: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/006251587X/timbernersleeshome/102-2010687-8580159  http://web.archive.org/web/20090614155722/http://ellisparkerbutler.info/epb/bio.asp  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis_Parker_Butler 

The Long-Awaited, Over Due Easter Episode is here... and since the Eastern Orthodox Church apparently doesn't recognize Easter until May 2nd... I guess it's still early? Anyway, in today's episode I have author and blogger Gina Dalfonzo on to talk about Dickens' The Life of Our Lord, and we end up chatting about A Tale of Two Cities... though I don't mention it in the podcast, I think Tale of Two Cities might qualify as an "Easter Carol" - a great story to read every year at Easter time! I also finish reading The Life of Our Lord and offer up a new book recommendation: "Christmas: A Biography" by Judith Flanders. Links: Dickensblog: https://dickensblog.typepad.com/ Christmas: A Biography https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWGZC1F/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Help Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:48 Cozy Christmas Book Corner Recommendation: Christmas: A Biography 05:27 Interview with author Gina Dalfonzo about “The Life of Our Lord” 48:35 Story Time: The Life of Our Lord, part 3  01:01:28 Some concluding thoughts on Easter Music: Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Bethlehem - Christmas by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100307 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  

"God rest ye murdered gentlemen let nothing you dismay..." Can a murder mystery be cozy? It can when in the capable hands of author Vicki Delany and her cozy mystery series, The Year-Round Christmas Mystery series. We head to Canada for a wonderful chat about her books. Unfortunately Rudolph, NY, where the series is set and Christmas is celebrated year round, is NOT a real place... but a Christmas podcast host can dream, right? And besides, who wouldn't want to catch a sight of Santa in his swimsuit, am I right?.... Hello? Anyone? Just me? After my talk with Vicki I read another selection from The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens and I have a serious moment and share some Easter meditations I've been thinking on lately. I also share another listener memory and talk about some Christmas snacks. Grab your egg nog (yum!) and some marshmallow peeps (barf), it's a Christmas and Easter episode! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:17 Listener Memory and Christmas snacks! 07:21 Author Interview: Vicki Delany 41:18 The Life of Our Lord, part 2 57:52 My Easter Meditations 01:01:37 Conclusion Author Website: http://vickidelany.com/  Book: "Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen" https://www.amazon.com/Murdered-Gentlemen-Year-Round-Christmas-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00SI0B5R6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HCUFIRORTT6H&dchild=1&keywords=rest+ye+murdered+gentlemen&qid=1616361097&sprefix=Rest+ye+murder%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1 Help Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Music Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Earnest by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100248 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Happy Easter month, to those who celebrate! In today's episode I talk a little bit about Charles Dickens' gospel, The Life of Our Lord, that he wrote for his children. Since this is primarily a Christmas podcast, I read from his chapters about the birth and early life of Christ. I also share a listener's thoughts about a different perspective on A Christmas Carol, give a book recommendation for this month's Cozy Christmas Book Corner, and I share a memory of mine that explains why the carol "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" has haunted my nightmares. Author Website: http://vickidelany.com/  Book: "Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen" https://www.amazon.com/Murdered-Gentlemen-Year-Round-Christmas-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00SI0B5R6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HCUFIRORTT6H&dchild=1&keywords=rest+ye+murdered+gentlemen&qid=1616361097&sprefix=Rest+ye+murder%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1 Timestamps: 00:00 Intro  01:13 Listener Memory: A different perspective on A Christmas Carol 7:15 Cozy Christmas Book Corner: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany  11:17 My Christmas Memory: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 15:33 Introduction to The Life of Our Lord 19:12 Christmas Story: The Life of Our Lord Chapters 1-2 26:37 Closing Comments Help Support the Show: Buy Me a Coffee? www.ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Music Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen John Vallis (johnvallis.co.uk) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Silent Night Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Winter is in full swing, and Grace and I have the giggles today. I ask her some Holly Jolly Christmas questions and they quickly spiral into moments of laughter as we're interrupted by her Teddy Bears, we try to figure out the names of Santa's reindeer, and I'm reminded how nice a kid she is when I ask her the question: if you could have any gift on your wishlist what would it be? Her answer surprised me! I also share another listener memory from Rick, and how the song "Downtown" puts him in a Christmas mood, I recommend a book, and read the story "The Set of Poe" by George Ade. Though I don't mention it in the episode, we just hit 30,000 downloads! Thank you THANK YOU for all who have been listening this past year. I'm overwhelmed and grateful for you all! 00:00 Introduction 02:10 Holly Jolly Christmas with Gracie 19:37 Listener Memory 25:08 Cozy Christmas Book Corner: A Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton  31:47 Story: The Set of Poe by George Ade 45:15 Concluding Thoughts Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100270 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ https://bethkempton.com/christmas/ 

Welcome to the start of season 2! In today's episode, I share with you what has been keeping me in the Christmas mood (hint: snow, cookies, and music); Then I share an email from our listener Rick who writes to tell about his favorite Christmas movies - and he has some shocking and very strict guidelines on what counts as a Christmas movie. Then, I read the Christmas chapter from Charles Dickens' first novel, The Pickwick Papers. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and come on in by the fire! Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:58 Deck the Halls: Winter Weather and Cookies https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chewy-pumpkin-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/  03:50 Listener Memory: Rick's Favorite Christmas movies 09:58 Introduction and background for The Pickwick Papers 12:12 The Pickwick Papers, Chapter 30 36:50 Thoughts on the story, plans for upcoming episodes, and closing comments. PS: Gracie will be on next weeks episode, we didn't have time to record anything together this past week. Music: Deck the Halls and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100270 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

It's the final episode of the 2020 Christmas season, and we've got a full and fun episode ahead. I read another great memory from our listener Rick... we learn that sometimes gift giving can be a fun, but complicated, process. Then I interview Manny, the host of the Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad podcast and we talk about his podcast, paying it forward, and the magic of Santa. After that, Gracie and I talk about her Christmas and some of the Teddy Bears she got, a couple of snow storms we experienced, and a (Covid Safe) Christmas surprise trip we were able to take. I wrap up the first season with some reflections and stats about the show. I am overwhelmed by how you the listeners responded to the show. The show ends with a reading of Susan Noyes Anderson's poem, "Christmas Past: The Afterglow" which is a fitting end to a wonderful Christmas season. See you all in a couple of weeks for Season 2! Timestamps 0:00 Intro 1:23 Listener Memory 5:00 Interview with Manny from the Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad podcast 38:13 Gracie’s Christmas  54:35 Season One Recap 01:02:12 Poem: Christmas Past: The Afterglow by Susan Noyes Anderson https://susannoyesandersonpoems.com/  Music: Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Noel by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Angels We Have Heard by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?collection=004&page=1 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Look out everyone, it's a flood of books! In today's episode I look at two different Christmas traditions - Jólabókaflóð the Icelandic celebration of books at Christmas, and Epiphany, the holiday that commemorates the Magi's visit to the baby Jesus.  In the Jólabókaflóð segment, I participate in the Christmas Carol Book Tag prompt in which I answer 8 Christmas Carol inspired questions about books. In the Epiphany segment, I read the account of the Magi from Matthew Chapter 2, and then I read a couple of poems by Cecil Frances Alexander: "Once in Royal David's City" and "The Adoration of the Wise Men". I take a few minutes to reflect on the lessons from the story of the Wise Men. I don't know how you are supposed to celebrate Epiphany, but I enjoyed putting this together. Oh, and tucked in between the segments is a wonderful listener memory from Rick. I know you'll enjoy his story, and we are going to hear more from him in the future. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 2:45 Jólabókaflóð: The Christmas Book Flood 5:45 Booktube’s Christmas Carol Book Tag - Hear art answer 8 bookish prompt questions and you’ll get to hear some of his favorites. 18:00 Listener memory from Rick 22:40 The story of the Wise men, from Matthew 2:1-12 29:04 2 Poems by Cecil Frances Alexander and Epiphany reflections  Music: Deck the Halls, by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Music: [We Three Celtic Kings] by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com) Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In today's episode, Todd Killian from Christmas Clatter stops by and we enjoy a cozy chat. (This is the full interview that you heard a portion of in the Christmas Extravaganza episode.) Todd and I talk about: -podcasting -working at the USPS -The Weather, Family, and Christmas -The Killian Family Cookie Day -Christmas Trees -An exclusive never-before-told Todd Killian Christmas memory! -I also share a story with Todd about why my sister sends me a penny at Christmas. Check out Todd's podcast at https://www.christmasclatter.com/ and sign up for his upcoming newsletter! I'll be back in a few days with an episode with a story and some listener memories. Take care everyone and have a Merry Christmas! Help Support the show at https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas

Merry Christmas everyone! Come on in, the Cozy Christmas Podcast is ready for an exciting Christmas celebration! I've gathered together some of our favorite podcasters to celebrate the best day of the year! Manny from Feliz Christmas Merry Navidad is reporting live from the North Pole. What do you think he'll see while he's there? We also have musical guests, some stories, and a lot of Christmas cheer. So come on in and enjoy the show! And Merry Christmas! Timestamps: 1:02 Commercial: Waist Watchers 2:07 On Location with Manny, part 1 5:30 Snow in Southtown Apostrophe Song 8:50 Interview with Todd Killian, part 1 (part 2 coming in an upcoming episode) 21:00 Our Salute to the Post Office with the Chardon Polka Band 25:24 Commercial: Records 26:15 On Location with Manny, part 2 28:05 Caroling with Gerry & Little #1 29:30 Story Time  38:25 On Location with Manny, part 3 40:50 It’s Christmastime with Johanna Jones 46:00 On Location with Manny, part 4 54:15 Christmas Reflections and Thanks you’s!

We have a tale of two musicians today in this 2nd part from yesterday's Cozy Christmas Music episode. First up is singer/songwriter Lucas Morgan. He is 17yo high school student who has just made his first album, called "Get Your Christmas On". It was so fun talking to a young man who knows what he wants to do and is going after it with passion. We chat about his album, his favorite music, and Christmas! Keep an eye on this kid - I think he's going to do great things! You can find his album on amazon or sample it on youtube. Here is his website: https://lucashuntermorgan.wixsite.com/lucasmorganmusic His Spotify link:   Grab your Christmas bratwursts everyone, because next I talk to Jake from the Chardon Polka Band. Like Lucas, he began to get interested in music while in school. Now he is a full time musician and brings the joy of polka music where he goes. Their new album, A Very Polka Christmas, brings some much needed fun to 2020.   Hit the links below for more info and music! It's polka-liscious.   www.chardonpolkaband.com facebook.com/thechardonpolkaband http://www.youtube.com/thechardonpolkaband

It's time to relax and take a deep breath and listen to music! Scott from the Jingle Jank podcast stops by to share some cozy Christmas songs and it will put you in the mood to stare out your window watching it snow all day... Gracie and I get together to do a mad-lib version of a letter to Santa, and I surprise Gracie by telling her that I am going to mail it to Santa. You won't believe what she ends up asking Santa for Christmas. Jingle Jank Podcast Help support the show: https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas

Have yourself a Totally Rad Christmas, Dudes! Today's guest is THE Gerry Davilla from A Totally Rad Christmas, and as you can tell right from the beginning, this episode is far out and gnarly and... all those other 1980's terms I can't remember. It begins with my very worst impression of one of my very favorite podcasters... and it derails from there... as you'll hear in the interview, I left all the bloopers in. :-) Gerry and I get together and we laughed a lot, we told stories, we talked about movies, about the 80's, we had some moments of loud laughter and deep thoughts about our families and a little bit about faith, too. Come sit with us by the cozy Christmas fire, and enjoy today's episode! I share a story a listener sent me about a special memory she has of her grandpa, and then I read "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry and reflect on the story for a few moments. There's a lot of fun you won't want to miss! Later dudes... Music Credits: Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Angels We Have Heard by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?collection=004&page=1 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  SILENT NIGHT by John Vallis (johnvallis.co.uk) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

The 2nd part of the Christmas Carol episode - and we're going back to the theater, sort of... Charles Dickens died in 1870 but his legacy continues on strongly to this day. He is often synonymous with Christmas, and for good reason. 150 years after his death, Charles' great-great grandson Gerald Dickens keeps the family legacy going by performing in one man theatrical performances of A Christmas Carol and other works of Dickens. Today Gerald stops by to chat about the story, Charles Dickens, Christmas, and the film version of his one man play that he just recorded this year. See the film here: https://byerschoiceltd.vhx.tv/?campaign=geralddickens Gerald also blogs about his travels as he does various theatrical performances: https://geralddickens.wordpress.com/ Support the show here: https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas

It's Part 1 of a 2 Part episode focused on A Christmas Carol! In today's episode, I sit down with author Gina Dalfonzo and talk about the theme of redemption in A Christmas Carol. She had a new book published this year called The Gospel in Dickens, and if you're interested in the theology of Charles Dickens you should check it out. So come on in, sit down by the Christmas fire as we discuss some of the theology found in A Christmas Carol. And stay tuned for the next episode - it's dropping on December 14, and we will have a very special guest who comes by to chat more about A Christmas Carol. Note: Religion can be a touchy subject. I know that all my listeners will have different views in their beliefs, and I in no way want to exclude anyone from this episode or the conversation. I'm here to learn and my hope is that this episode gives us all a deeper understanding of the text of A Christmas Carol and the religious beliefs of Charles Dickens that did influence a lot of his writing. More about Gina Dalfonzo: Dickensblog The Gospel in Dickens You can help support the show: https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Music: Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

It's Christmas time everyone! And Grace and I get the opportunity to interview singer Johanna Jones about her new album "It's Christmastime"... the album is out already, (which I completely flubbed on, blame it on the COVID brain I had at the time lol!) and it's available everywhere. (See link below!) Then Grace and I discuss our thoughts about the new interactive Zoom play put on by the Birmingham Children's Theater. And finally I read a couple of selections from Nancy Carey Johnson's book A Vermont Homesteader's Christmas Memories. Christmastime is here, whether you are ready or not! It's Christmastime Album Birmingham Children's Theater: www.bct123.org/north-pole The Vermont Homesteader's Christmas Memories book I don't talk about it in the show, but Christmas Time in the City podcast is awesome. Check it out! Support the show on https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Episode Outline: 01:00 Johanna Jones Interview 33:12 Christmas in the City Promo 34:00 ELVES: The Experience 47:00 Story Time from Vermont Homesteader's Select Readings 53:10 Brilliant Closing Remarks

Pack your bags and grab your movie popcorn we're going to Canada... I visit with author and Christmas movie lover Rachel McMillan and her new book "A Very Merry Holiday Movie Guide"! If you have a movie fan in your life - especially fans of Hallmark Christmas movies, this book is a great gift idea. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089K2BVBW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Rachel McMillan's Website: https://www.rachelmcmillan.net/  I also read an entry from my wife's blog who is writing some advent reflections this year.  https://togetherforgood.wordpress.com/

I have more fun than is allowed interviewing playwright Sina Skates and Director Alex Ungerman of The Birmingham Children's Theatre. This year they are not letting COVID stop them from entertaining children and have put together an interactive play called ELVES: The Experience that will be hosted over Zoom. Grace and I will give a review of the play in an upcoming episode, but for now, enjoy this energetic discussion of their play, the theatre, and, of course, Christmas! Be sure to check out the show notes too as I have a lot of links mentioned in the episode: Buy tickets here: https://www.bct123.org/north-pole BCT Website: https://www.bct123.org/  ELVES Playbill https://www.bct123.org/the-elves Help support the BCT: https://www.bct123.org/donate  BCT Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzhAMEOPdFouDGPYk1Tt39w/featured  I think this is the play that Alex mentioned - there's an online version! Christmas at Pemberley:    https://mainstreettheater.com/christmas-at-pemberley/  This is the film ballet version of A Christmas Carol I was trying to remember. It looks like it is coming out only in movie theaters and I'm not sure where or how to watch it, but the featurette looks amazing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBXXC3nL56M&t=1s  For the price of a cup of coffee you can help support the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Music: Silent Night Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Bethlehem - Christmas by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100307 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

(This episode was delayed because of COVID, and was supposed to air before Thanksgiving. That's why you'll hear me talk about Thanksgiving as if it were still coming.) No, not presents... PRESENCE. In today's episode I interview singer songwriter Rehya Stevens. We talk about her album Celebrate and we have a lot of laughs sharing Christmas memories. We talk about the importance of giving our presence - that's with a "c" not "t"! - and being there for our family and each other this during this difficult time. This is one of the most enjoyable interviews I've had so far, and I can't wait for you all to hear it. My listener memory comes from my sister, and she talks about the joy of baking Christmas cookies with our Grandma. I know it's past Thanksgiving, but I have another Thanksgiving story to share: I read A Mystery in the Kitchen by Olive Thorne Miller. It's a tender story of a sister named Jessie who's brother has run away from home. And why is Jessie sneaking around in the kitchen? If you'd like to support the show: https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas The song that follows the story is called Song for a Winter's Night by The Nancies. It's a beautiful song, and you should check them out. Music: Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Song for a Winters Night URL: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/The_Nancies/Yuletide_Entertainments_2012/The_Nancies_-_Yuletide_Entertainments_2012_-_02_Song_for_a_Winters_Night Comments: http://freemusicarchive.org/ Copyright: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ Christmas Eve http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Borrtex/Christmas_Time/03_Christmas_Eve Comments: http://freemusicarchive.org/ Copyright: Attribution-NonCommercial: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/  

Grab a plate of turkey, stuffing and gravy and enjoy this extra cozy episode! I interview Brian Earl from the Christmas Past Podcast, and we chat about the origins of our podcasts, Christmas (of course!), and in the time-honored Thanksgiving tradition we share what we are thankful. Even though it's been a rough year for everyone, we find we have a lot to be thankful for. I hope you do too!  Then I read Louisa May Alcott's story, An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving. The Basset children are left on their own for a night before Thanksgiving when their parents are called away to tend their sick grandmother. How will they spend their time alone? By doing chores, reading stories by the fire, fending off a bear attack - and most daunting of all, preparing their own Thanksgiving dinner. Mother has done it every year - so how hard could it be? (Episode Warning: Due to the extra coziness of this episode, it is advised to not listen will driving or operating heavy machinery. Listening to this episode while digesting a large turkey dinner can increase the drowsiness effect. Listener discretion is advised.)

Are you in the mood for a simple Christmas? In this episode, I have a phone interview with author Nancy Carey Johnson and talk about her book "The Vermont Homesteader's Christmas Memories". We talk about her book, homesteading, Christmas music, pets and we share heartwarming stories of family, friends, and Jolly the Christmas dog. It's a conversation you won't want to miss! And her book is full of many more wonderful stories. Gracie and I have a chat about our hopes for Thanksgiving... she wants to see her Grandma and Grandpa, and I want to eat my weight in stuffing and turkey. Then for our story, I read a couple of poems. "Christmas Carol" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, and "War Time Christmas" by World War I poet Joyce Kilmer. Episode: 02:40 Interview with Nancy Carey Johnson 36:20 Gracie and I talk Thanksgiving! 44:18 Christmas Poems: Christmas Carol by Paul Laurence Dunbar, Wartime Christmas by Joyce Kilmer Music Credits: Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Angels We Have Heard by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?collection=004&page=1 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  SILENT NIGHT by John Vallis (johnvallis.co.uk) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In today's episode, listener Mackenzie shares a memory of her Black Friday tradition. Then I interview author CJ Livingstone of the new Christmas book "Santa, Inc." We talk about his book, Christmas, and the power of kindness. Finally, I read Louisa May Alcott's story "Tilly's Christmas" which continues the theme of showing the power of kindness. So with kindness, hope, and a dash of Christmas magic, I believe we can change the world! 00:30 Listener Memory 03:25 Interview with CJ Livingstone and Review of Santa, Inc 37:30 Christmas Story: Tilly's Christmas, by Louisa May Alcott Buy Santa, Inc: https://www.amazon.com/Santa-Inc-CJ-Livingstone/dp/0997807059/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1605456393&sr=8-1 Music Credits: Away In A Manger by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  Artist: http://audionautix.com/ Angels We Have Heard by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?collection=004&page=1 Artist: http://incompetech.com/  Deck the Halls by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100263 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

Hold on to your hats, I'm talking to three guests today! There is a great community of Christmas fans that gather together on mymerrychristmas.com. Today I interview three of members of the website community that have used their creative talents to bring Christmas cheer. I speak to Bill from thevillagecollector.com. He is a collector of Christmas villages and has an amazing website that showcases all of the decorative talents he and others have done over the years. We talk about his website, Christmas villages, and share some great family Christmas memories.  Then, I'm joined on the phone by new author Sandra Macauley who has written a Christmas book called "A Town Called Festive". We talk about her book, writing, and the joys of living in a small town. And of course we talk about Christmas too. https://www.amazon.com/town-Called-Festive-chances-forgiveness/dp/1621835588/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=a+town+called+festive&qid=1605020213&sr=8-1 And finally, Sean from The Christmas Podcasts Podcast at https://christmaspodcasts.com/ stops by and we chat about podcasting, Christmas, Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and we share some of our favorite Christmas memories. mymerrychristmas.com has gathered together an amazing group of creative peoples of all types and hobbies. Once you've enjoyed hearing these folks come on over to the forums!

Does the thought of planning Christmas stress you out? Are you a master procrastinator like me? Lisa is stopping by the show with some help from her website thestressfreechristmas.com. We chat about that and share some wonderful Christmas memories. Other highlights from the show - I share some Christmas memories that reminds me the holidays can be difficult for some people but the love of family brings us back together.  Gracie and I try out some pumpkin pie pretzels (yuck!) and chocolate chip cookie brownies (sooooo yummy) and chat about Christmas, our porch swing, and bears.  Or as Dwight from “The Office” might say: Bears. Brownies. Battlestar Galactica.  I also read the fairy tale The Shoemaker and the Elves by the Brothers Grimm.  It’s a month of thanksgiving and gratitude, so come on in and make yourself at home!  

Stories for Halloween, Vol 1, Part 3 The Goblins Who Stole a Sexton by Charles Dickens. Happy Halloween! The final story in our trilogy of terror and weirdness comes from Charles Dickens. Gabriel Grub is a mean old sexton, and we find him digging a grave late on Christmas Eve. What could possibly go wrong? This has been a fun way to celebrate Halloween during quarantine, and also to read some classic scary Christmas stories. I'll have a new regular episode out on Monday! Stay safe, and eat lots of candy for me tonight. Episode Music: "Tiptoes" by Aaron Kenny "Remembering Her", "Piano Journey" by Esther Abrami "Maestro Tlakaelel" by Jesse Gallagher  

A Kidnapped Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum Enjoy this classic Christmas story that has a dash of Halloween. Every year Santa brings toys to all the good girls and boys of the world. He is beloved by many. But there are a few who would love to see Santa fall... Who would be nasty enough to want to see Santa gone? Say hello to the Daemons of Selfishness, Envy, Hatred, Malice, and Repentance. Santa better watch out! Additional material quoted: Excerpt from "The Halloween Tree" (c) 1972 by Ray Bradbury Excerpt from the lyrics "Kidnap the Sandy Claws" by Danny Elfman   Music credits for this episode: Aaron Kenny, "Tiptoes" "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Dark Piano Version)" - Dark Christmas Music by Myuu is licensed under a Creative Commons License. "Jingle Bells (Dark Piano Version)" by Myuu is licensed under a Creative Commons License. "In the Hall of the Mountain King (Piano Version) - Edvard Grieg by Myuu is licensed under a Creative Commons License." "Silent Night (Dark Piano Version)" by Myuu is licensed under a Creative Commons License. "Jingle Bells 7" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://incompetech.com/   "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100270 Artist: http://incompetech.com/   "Silent Night" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://incompetech.com/    "Remembering Her" by Esther Abrami   All music is used under the  

Cozy Christmas Podcast Presents a Special Presentation! In the first of three special episodes for Halloween week, I read the classic 1829 ghost story "The Tapestried Chamber" by Sir Walter Scott. "When General Browne's friend invites him to spend the week at his home, he's delighted to oblige—that is, until he spends a night in the tapestried chamber!" We invite you to sit back, relax, and turn down the lights... and enjoy this story for Halloween! Music for the show: Kevin MacLeod  Atlantean Twilight by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100322 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Industrial Music Box by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100812 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Other music created by Esther Abrami, Aaron Kenny, and Myuu.

Welcome to another episode! Today I share a memory from the winner of the Scrooge Ornament, then I have an Interview with children's author Kathryn Burgess. She has a great new story to help kids deal with seeing Santa in a safe way this year. Gracie and I are on the search for more treats and this time we make some cinnamon and sugar chips and talk about Christmas, COVID, and a few laughs. Then I read a Christmas excerpt from Charles Dickens' book, The Pickwick Papers. If you're subscribed to the podcast, be on the look out this week for 3 Halloween Stories to drop in your podcast feed! Check out Kathryn's book https://snow-globe-santa.mybigcommerce.com/the-snow-globe-santa-childrens-book/ and her website: https://snowglobesanta.com/

Halloween and Christmas meet together in space! Today's episode is an interview with author and classic science fiction/fantasy author Ray Bradbury's official biographer, Sam Weller. He has just published a new collection of gothic short stories called Dark Black. It's a book that will get you into the Halloween mood! There's also a new audio drama podcast called The Way We Haunt Now. https://hauntnowpod.com/ In the episode we talk about these two short stories - if you'd like to read them you can find them online. They are pretty short and won't take long to read. The Gift https://classic.esquire.com/article/1952/12/1/the-gift (the picture that Weller talks about in the interview is also on that page.) The Star https://sites.uni.edu/morgans/astro/course/TheStar.pdf The Way We Haunt  Now https://hauntnowpod.com/ Dark Black https://hatandbeard.com/products/dark-black Artist Dan Grzeca: https://www.dangrzeca.com/ A Lot Like Christmas: https://www.amazon.com/Lot-Like-Christmas-Stories-ebook/dp/B01N6RFENJ/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=A+lot+like+christmas&qid=1603205945&sr=8-2 Contest Winner! Congratulations to Rachel Rogers, she has won the Scrooge Ornament!

G'day mate! (Hmmm... do Australians really say that?) In this episode, Gracie is back and we make a delicious apple pie. Unfortunately we can't share any of it, but you can make one with this recipe: https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/dutch-apple-pie/815d821f-058d-4177-93be-e157390e947b Pro-cooking tip: Don't forget to preheat your oven! Being the expert chef that I am, I would never do that. Heh. Then a listener from Australia shares a Christmas memory, and I try (and fail) to list any interesting facts about the land Down Under. I do read a couple of Australia themed stories: a poem called The Aussie Night Before Christmas and then we take a trip with Australian writer Henry Lawson and his piece published in 1907 - "The Ghosts of Many Christmases". Don't worry it's not a ghost story, but rather it's a reflection on the different locations he had celebrated Christmas in his past. Learn more about Henry Lawson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Lawson The Aussie Night Before Christmas: http://bytesdaily.blogspot.com/2017/12/another-night-before-christmas-in.html Send in your memories to [email protected] and I'll send you a card and podcast sticker. If you get it in before October 15th, you'll be entered to win an ornament! Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast  Time Stamps: 0:00-2:30 Intro 2:30-18:45 Goodies with Gracie 18:45-22:45 Listener memories 22:45-25:42 An Aussie Night Before Christmas 25:42-27:45 Henry Lawson bio 27:45-50:36 The Ghosts of Many Christmases 50:36-53:30 Final thoughts

Sometimes our best intentions go awry... but at least we're making memories! There's an unwritten rule of podcasting that if your new podcast can make it past the 7th episode, then you're more likely to keep it going for the long haul. Well this is the 7th episode, and the Technical Dragons were running amuck. Fear not! I have defeated them, and I will be back for episode 8. But at least it fits in with the theme of today's podcast: Christmases that don't go exactly as planned... Show Links: Merry Little Bexmas channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFgyfeUreEA2wH4LCrOn-Ig  The Christmas Ride trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y45euwomp9g  http://fcmnpodcast.com https://weirdchristmas.com/ Deck the Halls A Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

This is a bonus episode... kind of. In the next episode I'll be talking more about Old Time Radio and this episode of the Jack Benny program that I'll be sharing with you today, but I thought you might like to hear it in its entirety. So sit back and enjoy as we make our way back to the days of yesteryear... Other show notes: Email a Christmas memory [email protected] Do it by Oct 15th and you'll be entered to win a Christmas ornament: https://twitter.com/CozyXmasPod/status/1306695022981582848 Get an extra entry by donating at ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Etsy Shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/CozyChristmasPodcast Music: Deck the Halls A by Kevin MacLeod

Ways to get a Free Sticker and entry into a drawing for a hand-painted ornament: Send me an email or a voice message talking about some of your favorite Christmas memories to [email protected] You can also get bonus entries into the contest for becoming a financial supporter of the podcast at https://ko-fi.com/cozychristmas Contest Ends on October 15th! I'd love to hear some new Christmas music: My Merry Christmas Forums: https://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/threads/favorite-christmas-music.222673/page-3#post-1287769      Christmas is Here by Anthem Lights https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLqydWmju6g      Christmas Time is Here by Daniela Andrade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iAaEH_dR_Y  Music: Deck the Halls A Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Silent Night Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  The Poetry Corner Theme was written by my son Ryan and "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" segment music was arranged by Ryan - isn't he awesome?  

Happy Last Day of August! Fall is just around the corner. In today's episode Gracie and I do some snack taste testing and play a game of Never Have I Ever - Christmas edition. Then, I finish up looking at Charles Dickens' short story A Christmas Dinner. Then I read some portions from Mamie Dickens' "My Father as I Recall Him" in which she describes their Christmas celebrations. Finally, I share some personal memories of my grandparents. If you would like to help the show out financially, head over to Ko-fi.com/cozychristmas and for the price of a cup of coffee you can give us support. I will send you a sticker and a personal christmas card to show my thanks. Music: Deck the Halls A Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  Jingle Bells (Calm) Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  Silent Night Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Angels We Have Heard on High Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

Happy August everyone! In today's episode I talk Christmas. Obviously. Also, I will be focusing on Charles Dickens this month and to start off I will be giving you a brief intro to his early life. Then I read his first Christmas story, A Christmas Dinner! In the next episode, we'll talk more about the story. But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy Mr. Dickens' first Christmas story. Music: "Let's Just Get Through Christmas," by Doctor Turtle, from the Free Music Archive.