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Playlist: Christmas Spoken Word Programs

Compiled By: PRX Editors

 Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51035555243@N01/76244923/">Thomas Hawk</a>
Image by: Thomas Hawk 
Curated Playlist

Christmas holiday spoken word specials!

And, take a look at our Hanukkah Editors' Picks.

These are primarily spoken word pieces. For music programs, check out our Holiday Music Specials.

Below are picks chosen by PRX editorial staff. You can find other options for Christmas by using our search.

New for 2022

There are no items in this playlist.


Classic Hours

Occasional Shivers

From WUNC | 58:58

It’s a podcast and radio special that features a who’s who of the NC Music scene. Set in 1960s Manhattan, this radio drama is composed by Southern-pop icon Chris Stamey.

Playing
Occasional Shivers
From
WUNC

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WUNC is proud to announce an all new Occasional Shivers for the 2017 holiday season.  It’s a podcast and radio special that features a who’s who of the NC Music scene.  Set in 1960s Manhattan, this radio drama is composed by Southern-pop icon Chris Stamey.  With music, song and dialogue, the hour-long piece tells the story of two young musicians who fall in and out of love at Christmas time.  Featured performers include Mike Wiley, Branford Marsalis, Nneena Freelon, Marshall Crenshaw, Presyce Baez, WUNC’s Eric Hodge, Don Dixon, Millie McGuire, Kirsten Lambert, Django Haskins, Skylar Gudasz, Marti Jones and an all-star band that includes jazz greats Scott Sawyer, Will Campbell, John Brown and Bill Frisell.

Award Winning Drama for Christmas - The Kindness Of Time

From Rosie Boulton | 01:00:00

Winner of 2016 BBC Best Online Drama.

An inspirational one hour play for Advent and Christmas about waiting for love to appear in midwinter.

"The Kindness of Time" is a beautiful listening experience to nourish the spirit, banish midwinter blues and remind listeners what lies at the heart of the Christmas story.

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Winner of 2016 BBC Best Online Drama.

An inspirational one hour play for Advent and Christmas about waiting for love to appear in midwinter. 

The Kindness of Time is a drama for listeners to enjoy as they prepare for Christmas. Delicious food for thought, a luxurious feast for the ears - a beautiful listening experience to nourish the spirit, banish those midwinter blues and remind us all what lies at the heart of the Christmas story.

The play features music from the wonderful youth folk chorus Stream of Sound.

Join Ben Ellison as he travels across a snowy Europe to work with an outstanding group of singers and actors in a brand new show for a World Peace festival. Witness his inner journey of love and loss as bizarre circumstances, beyond his control and  his wildest dreams, lead him to where he needs to go, and to what he needs to discover to be truly happy. On route, enjoy glorious Christmas music as you’ve never heard it before.

This drama will cheer the heart whilst listeners wrap presents, peel chestnuts, travel on trains, or simply take time out for themselves in the busy run up to Christmas.

Credits:

Writers: Deirdre Burton and Tom Davis

Choir: Stream of Sound directed by Caroline Price

Producer / Director: Rosie Boulton

Cast includes: Fraser James, Hayley Doherty, Alex Jones, Tracey Briggs, Aimee Powell, Jacqueline O’Hanlon, Nathan Hawthorne, Geoff Barnbrook, Angie Barnbrook, Ramesh Krishnamurthy, Robin Valk

Humankind special: The Christmas Truce

From David Freudberg | 58:59

BROADCAST WINDOW OPENS 12/2/14. Produced in association with WGBH/Boston. On the occasion of its 100th anniverary, we take a moving look at the 1914 Christmas Truce, in which opposing soldiers in WW1 risked court-martial by laying down their arms. They actually exchanged holiday gifts and sang carols together during their short-lived ceasefire on the frozen battlefield of Flanders, Belgium. John McCutcheon performs and discusses his Grammy-nominated folksong, 'Christmas in the Trenches', which he sang decades after the war for elderly veterans who participated in the truce. And we hear details from historians Stanley Weintraub and Scott Bennett who have written about fascinating war-time peace efforts.

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Fraternizing with the enemy was an offense for which a soldier could be court-martialed. Yet on the frozen battlefield of Flanders, Belgium in the bitter first Christmas of WW1, troops on all sides broke the trance of war a century ago and — for a fleeting few hours — became friends.

Previously shooting at each other from the miserable trenches, they now sang Christmas carols in different languages. They exchanged boxes of candy and cigarettes and even played a match of soccer in No Man's Land. Until of course, the deadly mission of war resumed.

You'll hear folksinger John McCutcheon, whose Grammy-nominated song, Christmas in the Trenches, movingly tells the story. And distinguished historian Stanley Weintraub, who searched through century-old diaries and news articles for his book, Silent Night. The second half of this documentary examines the history of U.S. conscientious objectors in WW1, some of whom were brutalized for their opposition to the Great War, includes rare WW1 archival audio.

Christmas Music and Memories (Hour Long Version)

From With Good Reason | Part of the With Good Reason: Weekly Hour Long Episodes series | 53:51

Whether it’s a traditional hymn or a holiday song from our childhood, many people say Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the music that marks this season. We invited guests to handpick their favorites.

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Whether it’s a traditional hymn or a holiday song from our childhood, many people say Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the music that marks this season. The sense of joy, comfort, or spiritual uplift comes in all kinds of music at this time of year. From a Charlie Brown Christmas to Donny Hathaway and carols from the 15th century, Inman Majors (James Madison University) , Hermine Pinson (College of William and Mary) , and Rob Vaughn (Virginia Foundation for the Humanities) share their favorite holiday music and memories.

Later in the show: Christmas may conjure images of bourbon mixed in eggnog or hot buttered rum drinks, but biologist Lytton Musselman (Old Dominion University) is making his own cordials and spirits from wild roots, berries, and mushrooms. Musselman loves the distinct differences in flavor each plant brings to the liquor because, he says, “we are reminded of the glens, marshes, prairies, lakes, and forests where they live, who they hang out with, and their seasons of life.” Also featured: Delores Phillips (Old Dominion University ) researches how multicultural families deal with holiday foods that will be on the table at this time of year. She speaks from personal experience as an African American married into a Vietnamese-American family with inlaws from both cultures.

- See more at: http://withgoodreasonradio.org/2013/12/christmas-music-and-memories/#sthash.9niGcsCs.dpuf

Christmas with the Enemy

From Drew Darling | 59:33

The Christmas truce along the Western Front of WWI

Tumblr_mylwh3qhwx1sm7dkjo1_400_small Narrative in words and music telling the story of the spontaneous truce arranged among soldiers along the Western Front, Christmas, 1914.  Features over two dozen voices reading from letters and diaries of those who were there.  Much of the music also drawn from the period, including those they sang for each other and with each other.

"They ate, they sang, they played together.  The cared for the wounded and buried the dead, with men of both armies working as one."  Includes one very touching scene of a joint prayer and burial service among the Scots and the Germans.

The piece has been a holiday favorite several years running at WERU in Downeast Maine.  For this hundredth anniversary telling, it is completely rewritten and updated.

An amazing story that makes for a very moving hour in your  holiday broadcast schedule.

Includes a 60-sec promo with sample time and date embedded.  Contact me once you have scheduled it and  I will make you a fresh one with your time and date embedded.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (A Ghost Story for Christmas)

From Craig Wichman | 55:19

By mining the dark veins of this classic, its timeless heart is reclaimed.

Quicks_carol_poster_small Directed by Jay Stern (Independent Feature, THE CHANGELING), and adapted by Producer Craig Wichman from the novella by Charles Dickens, this production returns to the heart of the 1843 story - mining the dark veins of what its author called "a GHOST story - for Christmas." The cast of seasoned New York actors includes Mr. Wichman, Anthony Cinelli, John Prave, Ghislaine Nichols, Deborah Barta, Joseph Franchini, Jodi Botelho, Elizabeth Stull, and Tony Scheinman. Music by TONY AWARD winner Mark Hollmann. Sound Effects by Clyde Baldo and The Cast. Engineering by David Nolan. "...Wichman (is) a Scrooge for all seasons..." -Paul Davis, author of "THE LIFE AND TIMES OF EBENEZER SCROOGE" "Very special... a marvelous job... kudos to the cast." -Max Schmid, WBAI, NY QUICKSILVER RADIO THEATER has earned awards from the National Federation of Community Broadcasters and the National Audio Theatre, and has performed by invitation at the Museum of Television and Radio (Paley Center for Media) where its shows are in the Collection.

Reclaiming the Holidays

From Humankind | 59:01

Profiles of people from different backgrounds who seek to get past the consumer frenzy of the December holidays, and to focus more on authentic family connection and giving charity in the spirit of the season.

Annie_leonard_small This special profiles people from different backgrounds who seek to get past the consumer frenzy of the December holidays, and to focus more on authentic family connection and giving charity in the spirit of the season. Interviewees include Annie Leonard, whose environmental film 'The Story of Stuff' attracted over 10 million online viewers. Our second half-hour examines the movement to carve out family downtime from our digital devices

HV041- Christmas Mashup

From Hearing Voices | Part of the Hearing Voices series | 53:57

A mix of holiday stories, found-sound, and sampled songs: A bell-ringer at the Mall of America. Holiday history as told by second graders. A trip to the toy store. Carols sung by Zulu children in a South African orphanage. And holiday bits from Bing Crosby, George W. Bush, and The Beatles Fan Club Christmas messages.

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Host: Barrett Golding of Hearing Voices

Holiday cheer and holiday weird, a mix of lotsa holiday stories, found-sound, and sprinkling of sampled songs:

A home-recording of a "Christmas Gathering 1947" (4:08 excerpt), on an unlabeled 7" Wilcox Gay Recordio Disc, was found by Bob Purse. The complete recording is posted at the 365 Days Project, "Christmas Gathering 1947" (6:32)

John Beltran remixes Bing Crosby "The First Noel" (5:02), on the compilation Holiday Chill - The Christmas Remixes.

"Dad and Sam" (4:43) is Jay Allison's story of father and brotherhood, from his series Life Stories.

Simon & Garfunkel mixed "Silent Night/7 0'Clock News" (2:05) back in 1996, on their album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary And Thyme.

Every year at the Mall of America, you can hear "Arthur Jackson: Singing Salvation Army Bellringer" (4:54), a reformed drug addict now serving the Lord. The piece was produced by Todd Melby (KFAI Listening Lounge | Twin Cities Daily Planet | 2 below zero).

"Carrie Conley" (2:06) talks about raising six children as a single mom, and rounding up Christmas dinner and presents for everyone. Her son, Jerry Johnson, interviewed her for the StoryCorps project.

Beatles 1963 flex-disk record coverEvery year, from 1963-1969, the Beatles sent their Fan Club members a Christmas message on flexi-disk record. The "Beatles Fan Club Christmas" (excerpts 6:41) messages were collected on The Beatles Christmas Album. Several sites have them posted online; there's hi-fi (320kbps) mp3s at TheBeatleSource) and The Internet Beatles Album.

"Christmas Kids" (4:25) tell the stories, myths and rumours of the Holidays, from a 2nd-graders POV: Mrs. Beasley's class at Emerson School in Bozeman, Montana, recorded in 1986.

At an orphanage in South Africa, some "Zulu Kids" (2:14) belted out a few songs for producer Jake Warga.

The late, great sound-recordist, Tony Schwartz, takes us on an audio tour of "Christmas in New York" (6:04) in the late 1950s. For more TonyS: Library of Congress | WNYC | WFMU | TonySchwartz.org | HV from NPR | Amazon.

HV's Barrett Golding tours his hometown of Bozeman looking for "The T in Xmas" (2:55): A toy-shop owner displays her wares, a Jewish man recounts the story of Hannukah, a Salvation Army captain tells the history of bell-ringing, and the Sweet Adelaides choir offer a-capella carols.

Seattle's Captain Smartypants and the Seattle Men's Chorus yodel and line-dance their country-style Brokeback Dreidel, aka, "Kislev Cowboys" (excerpt 2:06) by Eric Lane Barnes. Recorded live by Tom Speer of the Seattle Channel, the video is posted onYouTube.

George W. Bush speeches are captured and placed in the extraordinary rendition program of mashup artisan Rx, who wishes you a "Happy RXmas & Whole Lotta Love" (Bush vs. Led Zep- excerpt 2:31). And we end with a Mahalia Jackson "Silent Night" (excerpt 2:41), remixed by King Kooba (bassist Charlie Tate and producer Matt Harris, aka DJ Shuff). The song is floating around the net free.

Church Music

From Charles Lane | 58:59

Church music is one of the few pure forms of human expression. Just a person, their voice, and the belief that compassion is self-fulfilling and will birth more compassion. Here in a one-hour special we explore the many kinds of church music in America. The culture and the people behind the voices. Who sings and why, and what those songs say about our country.

Playing
Church Music
From
Charles Lane

Web200802240697songso_small Church music is one of the few pure forms of human expression. Just a person, their voice, and the belief that compassion is self-fulfilling and will birth more compassion. Here in a one-hour special we explore the many kinds of church music in America. The culture and the people behind the voices. Who sings and why, and what those songs say about our country. This documentary takes equally from several Christian denominations and is prefect for air around Easter, Christmas, or on any given Sunday. **rundown "attached" and at "station info"

A Christmas Carol: REDUX

From Charles Ketchabaw | 54:00

“A Christmas Carol: Redux” retells the Charles Dickens classic with a dark comedic spin courtesy of ‘Ready, Set, Panic’. Set in the present day, with a crumbling economy and skyrocketing unemployment, cheapskate Scrooge refuses to share his wealth with those less fortunate. Join our narrator, Russell Thomas, as he recounts this classic Christmas tale with visits by The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (all while he battles his own ghosts due to a recent divorce).

Christmascarolredux_small "A Christmas Carol: Redux” retells the Charles Dickens classic in the present day, giving it a satirical comedic spin. Amidst a crumbling economy, skyrocketing unemployment, and mass protests on Wall Street, cheapskate Scrooge (the 1%) refuses to share his wealth with those less fortunate (the 99%).  Join our narrator, Russell Thomas, as he recounts this classic Christmas tale with visits by The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (all while he battles his own ghosts due to a recent divorce).

Jon Smith – Russell Thomas (narrator)

Charles Ketchabaw – Ron (audio engineer)

Rob Fulton – Scrooge

Aviva Armour- Ostroff – Ghost of Christmas Present

Lisa Marie DiLiberto - Ghost of Christmas Past

Eric Toth – Ghost of Christmas Future

Samantha Espie – Belle

Andre Arruda – Tiny Tim

Evanne Ketchabaw – Susan Scrooge

Nesh Abadjian – Jacob Marley

Mark De Angelis – Bob Crachit

Written by: Andrew De Angelis, Mark De Angelis, Charles Ketchabaw

Produced and directed by: Ready Set Panic (panicsociety.com)

Mixed and Edited by: Charles Ketchabaw

Portraits of Faith

From Aaron Henkin | 49:27

Nine people of nine different faiths and philosophies attempt to answer a deceptively simple question: What does it mean to you to believe?

Prayer1_small This is a one-hour, talk-clock-formatted documentary special that might make a nice addition to your program schedule if you're looking for some holiday programming or just wanting something contemplative to put on your airwaves. Here in Baltimore, my friend Jason and I set out on a simple mission: We criss-crossed our city and met with nine people of nine different faiths. We asked them each a set of identical questions about what it means for them to 'believe.' We talked with an Orthodox Muslim, a Buddhist monk, a Christian minister, a Jewish cantor, an atheist, a Quaker, a United Methodist / Episcopalian, a Catholic, and a Keetowah Cherokee. They all spoke eloquently about how their beliefs give them strength and comfort, and also about how those beliefs can sometimes give way to doubt when tested. We ended up with nearly nine hours of audio, and when we finally whittled it down and cut it together into this radio special, we realized there's a pretty incredible amount of common ground beneath the religious differences that often seem to divide us. If you're interested in licensing this special, I'd be happy to custom-tailor a promo for you and help you out with whatever else you might need. Just click the 'contact me' button and send me an email.

Hungry for the Holidays, with Julia Child

From Leet and Litwin | Part of the HUNGRY: The Literary Julia Child series | 54:49

Julia Child takes us back in time, presenting 2 stories -- "A Christmas Carol," read by the actor Peter Donat; and "I Was Really Very Hungry," written and performed by M.F.K. Fisher -- about an over-the-top French meal.

Copy_of_julia_prx_small Everyone knows Julia Child loved to cook, but not everyone knows she loved to read. Long ago she started work on a series of specials that are only just now being completed and aired -- stories about food and a little cooking, but mostly about people. "A Christmas Carol is a lovely story to read over the holidays," she says, "because it has a happy ending." Peter Donat, a star of her favorite TV show, "Murder She Wrote," brings the story to life -- with sounds and music that stimulate the theatre of the mind. Next Julia introduces her old friend, M.F.K. Fisher, who was, in the words of the poet W.H. Auden, "the best prose-writer in America." The recording took place in the author's tiny house set in a meadow, with cows poking their noses to the window. Julia paints a funny, spontaneous portrait of her friend -- especially her "wicked" streak. The story Mary Frances Kennedy reads is "I Was Really Very Hungry," about a meal served off-season in a famous Burgundian restaurant, the passionate chef slaving in the kitchen, the passionate waitress bringing course after course to the only diner in the building, M.F.K. Fisher, whose pleasure shifts to fear as she finds herself "a victim of these stranded gourmets." 

Two Holidays and a Blizzard

From Playing on Air | Part of the Playing on Air Hour Length Episodes series | 53:00

'The Blizzard', a mystery thriller by David Ives, features Jesse Eisenberg as a snowed-in screenwriter facing unexpected guests. Ryan brings his new girlfriend home to celebrate the holiday in 'The Miracle of Chanukah.' And in our third short play, 'Christmas Breaks', a girl and a guy exchange some unexpected Christmas gifts. Lively group interviews follow each.

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Three short plays. The Blizzard, a chilly thriller, features Jesse Eisenberg as a snowed-in screenwriter facing unexpected guests. In The Miracle of Chanukah, a holiday guest’s personal miracle throws a family for a loop. In Christmas Breaks, a young man surprises his girlfriend with some curve ball gifts. The Blizzard is written by David Ives (Venus in Fur), directed by John Rando (Tony) with Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network), Alfredo Narciso, Heidi Schreck and Sarah Sokolovic ("Homeland"). Miracle of Chanukah is by Sheri Wilner and features Zach Appelman, Peter Friedman, Judy Gold (Emmy), Marcia Jean Kurtz, Lisa Joyce. Christmas Breaks is by Patrick Gabridge and features Zach Appelman, Steven Boyer (Hand to God, "The Trail"), and Halley Feiffer ("Bored to Death").  Interview with David Ives, John Rando and The Blizzard cast; Sheri Wilner and The Miracle of Chanukah cast and the cast of Christmas Breaks.

Peace on the Battlefield: The Christmas Truce of 1914 and Manassas Peace Jubilee (Peace Talks Radio) [59:00 / 54:00]

From Good Radio Shows, Inc. | Part of the Peace Talks Radio: Weekly Hour Long Episodes series | 58:45

Two instances when peace broke out – right on the field of battle. First, the impromptu but widespread unofficial Christmas Truce of 1914 in the early months of fighting in Europe in World War 1. Also the story of the National Jubilee of Peace – the first major gathering of Civil War veterans from the North and South in 1911 - 50 years after the Battle of Bull Run at Manassas.

Christmastruce2_small On this episode of Peace Talks Radio, we spotlight two instances when peace broke out – right on the field of battle.  First, the impromptu but widespread unofficial Christmas Truce of 1914 in the early months of fighting in Europe in World War 1.   Soldiers from both sides essentially said, war is hell – let’s not do it near Christmas Day.  To tell us that story, we have Stanley Weintraub, historian, professor emeritus from Penn State University, biographer and author of many books including “Silent Night- The Christmas Truce of 1914.”  Also the story of  the National Jubilee of Peace – the first major gathering of Civil War veterans from the North and South in 1911 - 50 years after the Battle of Bull Run at Manassas.  Steve Pendlebury has our story – from the place where it happened in 1911 – and was re-enacted in the summer of 2011, Manassas, Virginia.

The Days After Christmas

From Loyola Productions, Inc. | Part of the Kaleidoscope series | 47:59

An exploration of the days following December 25th, including their significance and some common household traditions. Also included are readings of Longfellow and Oursler.

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While part of a series of programs covering the Christmas Season, "The Days After Christmas" may also stand on its own as an informational and entertaining look at the season that continues after December 25th.

Included in this edition of "Kaleidoscope" are readings of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The Three Kings" and Fulton Oursler's "A String of Blue Beads." 


*See "Timing and Cues" for suggested edits, if any, for call letters, date/series info, etc.

*This program originated on analog tape using non-digital source material. Some tape hiss and record pops should be expected.

A Christmas Carol

From KRCU Public Radio | 59:00

A sound-rich audio drama of the famous Charles Dickens story.

Default-piece-image-2 Hear the ghosts of Christmas come alive this holiday season with this special radio adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Children and adults alike will love this rendition of this heart-warming Christmas favorite. The myriad of sound effects and musical cues puts the listener right there with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

THE BLUE CARBUNCLE (A Christmas Adventure of Sherlock Holmes)

From Craig Wichman | 54:58

During Yuletide, Holmes and Watson face several Dickensian Londoners, a dusty hat, a famous gem - and a goose! (One of Arthur Conan Doyle’s rare comic tales.)

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Authorized by the Estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
 
"The best American portrayer of Sherlock Holmes that we have today." -William Nadel, BAKER STREET IRREGULARS

As in Quicksilver’s award-winning production of THE SPECKLED BAND, Craig Wichman (Independent Film, THE DEVIL YOU KNOW) plays the Great Detective, and John Prave, the Good Doctor. The cast features Emma Palzere, Joseph Franchini, Dan Renkin, Clyde Baldo, and Soprano Soloist Bernadette Fiorella (New York City Opera). Original music by Frank Spitznagel. Sound effects by Sue Zizza, Mr. Baldo, and the cast. Engineers, Chip Fabrizi and Dominick Barbera.

Adapted and Produced by Mr. Wichman.
Directed by Jay Stern (Independent Feature, THE CHANGELING).


*As an added treat, Quicksilver presents the rarely produced short farce by famed Holmes portrayer William Gillette, THE PAINFUL PREDICAMENT OF SHERLOCK HOLMES.*

 
Recipient of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters' "AWARD OF SPECIAL MERIT."  Quicksilver has also earned the National Audio Theatre's "BEST SCRIPT" Award, and has performed by invitation at the Paley Center for Media (Museum of Television and Radio) where its shows are in the Collection.

A Cowboy Christmas

From Western Folklife Center Media | 54:24

A musical and poetic celebration of the Christmas holiday from the open ranges of America's outback.

Default-piece-image-0 A Cowboy Christmas celebrates the holiday with memories, music, and poetry of people who live and work in the isolation of America's outback. Some of the stories and songs are family traditions passed down through the generations while others are new works inspired by Christmas on the lonely range. This program features poets Baxter Black, Waddie Mitchell, and Native American singer and comedian Vincent Craig.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.- The Christmas Message of Hope

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr- a Rewind series series | 54:58

Today, the fifth of six programs honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's the final lecture of Dr. King's Massey lectures. This one is more a sermon than a lecture- it aired on Christmas Eve 1967.

Masssey-king-book_small Today, the fifth of six programs honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It's the final lecture of Dr. King's Massey lectures- a series that aired on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in late 1967. This one is more a sermon than a lecture- it aired on Christmas Eve 1967.  Dr. King used the opportunity to spread his message of non- violence and reconciliation to a wider audience.

Calls from Home

From Nick Szuberla | 59:24

Voices of prisoner family members sending holiday messages to their incarcerated loved ones across the country. Powerful stories, poems, songs, and prayers. A touching program that will speak to every listener.

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Calls from Home

The United States has 2.4 million people behind bars. Thousand Kites wants you to lend your support to a powerful grassroots radio and community project that reaches into our nation's prisons and lets those inside know they are not forgotten.

Thousand Kites is excited to offer community radio stations and individuals the 9th annual national radio program Calls from Home. The program features phone calls from mothers and children, brothers and grandparents, sharing the intimate power of families speaking directly to their incarcerated loved ones. Poets and musicians read and sing across phone lines and prison walls. Calls from Home, produced in the coalfields of central Appalachia, reaches a national network of prisoners, their loved ones and public listeners through community radio in an effort to educate the public about the criminal justice system. Started in 1998 by artists at Appalshop, the program was first a local response to the growing prison industry in their rural community.

Thousand Kites, and WMMT-FM, would like to offer your station Calls from Home, a special program that brings the voices of families across the nation to the airwaves as they send greetings directly to their incarcerated loved ones. The program features calls that share the intimate power of families speaking straight to their loved ones behind bars. The material was recorded on December 9th, when Thousand Kites opened its toll-free line for seven hours of recording.

Use the CALLS FROM HOME FACILITATION GUIDE
Thousand Kites needs your support in spreading the word. You can help out by playing the program to your community group, church or even inside a prison and then hosting a discussion about the program. This is a simple way to start a discussion in your community.

Right-click this link to download a ten-minute Calls from Home for drop-in use or in your community

pdf Calls From Home Facilitation Guide click to download 60.52 Kb

The Cartoon Carnival Christmas Party

From Joe Bevilacqua | Part of the Joe Bevilacqua Christmas Programming series | 01:05:19

Christmas themed cartoon audio and music in 12 modules, produced and hosted by Joe Bev, with Stan Freberg, Daws Butler, Marian Richmond, Sammy Davis Jr., Burl Ives and Gary Owens.

Cartoon_carnival-logo-2400-christmas_small Here is a fun, different Christmas special for your listeners...

This hour special is available for broadcast as a one-hour show (in three segments) or as 12 5 1/2 minute modules, for flexible programming.

The Cartoon Carnival Christmas Party includes rare and classic holiday themed cartoon audio and music:

Stan Freberg, Daws Butler, Don Messick, and Marian Richmond in "Sleepy Santa," "The Christmas That Almost Never Was," and "Christmas Dragnet," plus music from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" by Vince Guarldi, "Seigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson, Alvin and the Chipmunks sing "The Chipmunk Song," Burl Ives sings "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas," Thurl Ravenscroft sings "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," and Sammy Davis Jr. sings "It's Christmas Time All Over the World."

The program is produced and hosted by Joe Bevilacqua (Joe Bev.) -- as his childhood creations Willoughby and the Professor.

This special is based on Joe Bev's high rated radio show currently airing on Shokus Internet Radio.

MORE Joe Bev. Christmas specials can be found here:

http://www.prx.org/series/22441-joe-bevilacqua-christmas-programming

JOE BEVILACQUA (JOE BEV) presents the first radio cartoon show ever - CARTOON CARNIVAL!

As the protege of cartoon voice legend Daws Butler (Yogi Bear), the veteran award-winning broadcaster (NPR, XM Radio) is no stranger to the cartoon world. Joe Bev even co-authored his mentor's authorized biography, "Daws Butler, Characters Actor", available at BearManorMedia.Com.

MORE INFO:

http://www.pr-inside.com/joe-bevilacqua-joe-bev-returns-to-r1429414.htm

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cartoon-Carnival-Radio-Show/115944560605

http://www.joebev.com/cartooncarnival.htm

http://www.shokusradio.com/


---
Available as a weekly series and/or stand-alone holiday specials, CARTOON CARNIVAL is a huge HIT with PDs and audiences at the following stations:

Weekly series airing:

1) ONLINE DAILY at 3 PM (PT) Shokus Internet Radio
http://www.shokusradio.com

2) Omni Media Networks:
SUNDAYS at 6 PM (PT) all channels(Classic Car Gold, the Stream, the Beyond Channel, and Hound Dog) and AM 1610 FM 89.3, Albany, OR
MONDAYS at 2 PM and 1 PM and TUESDAYS at 6 AM (PT) Golden Hours Radio Network
THURSDAYS, 3 PM (PT) The Powerful World of Sound
ONLINE: http://www.omnimedianetworks.org/listen.htm

3) FRIDAYS at 6 PM (PT) on KITC, 106.5 FM, Gilchrist, OR: http://kitcfm.com

4) Saturday at 9 AM (CT) on North Texas Radio for the Blind (NTRB)
Reading & Radio Resource, Dallas, TX
www.readingresource.org

5) SATURDAYS at 8 PM (CT) on Wisconsin Public Radio WGTD HD3:
http://www.wgtd.org

6) SATURDAYS at 8 AM (ET) on The 1920s Network, WHRO HD-3, Norfolk Va Beach
http://www.the1920snetwork.com

Stations airing specials:

7) KREV-LP 104.7 FM Estes Park, CO

8) KEOS-FM, 89.1, College Station/Bryan, TX.





Half-Hour (24:00-30:00)

Movies That Make Your Holidays

From Spokane Public Radio | 28:59

Spokane Public Radio's Movies 101 film reviewers give their picks for their top holiday rentals, traditional and not-so-traditional.

Spr_movies_101_holiday_icon_small_small Spokane Public Radio's Movies 101 has been in production since 1999. It features current hosts Dan Webster, a Spokesman-Review film critic who got seriously into movies back in his UC San Diego days. Mary Pat Treuthart, a tenured law professor at Gonzaga University, youngster, hipster film critic Nathan Weinbender, and the occasional guest reviewer. Movies 101 airs twice weekly on stations KPBX 91.1 and KSFC 91.9. It is SPR's most listened-to podcast.

The Christmas Chronicles: A Christmas Radio Drama in 8 Episodes (Series)

Produced by BYUradio/KUMT/KBYU-FM

At last, a true and complete history of everyone’s favorite Yuletide character, Santa Claus. Listen to this magical Christmas radio drama and learn the long held secrets that occupy every child’s mind during Christmas time. Here at last is the real Santa Claus we have always cherished.

Press website for Christmas Chronicles

Most recent piece in this series:

Episode 8: The Word

From BYUradio/KUMT/KBYU-FM | Part of the The Christmas Chronicles: A Christmas Radio Drama in 8 Episodes series | 28:02

Episode_8_christmas_chronicles_image_small A victory in the epic battle of the demon versus the reindeer, means Klaus can keep the spirit of Christmas alive. Richard Johnstone narrates.

HUNGRY: Julia Child Presents "A Dickens Holiday Feast"

From Leet and Litwin | Part of the HUNGRY: The Literary Julia Child series | 25:44

Julia says, "'A Christmas Carol' is a lovely story to read during the holidays, because it has a happy ending." The actor Peter Donat takes us to Victorian England -- and chef Mary Risley takes us into her modern kitchen to make the figgy pudding.

Charles-dickens_web_small "A Dickens Holiday Feast" is a gift from the Julia Child Foundation.

After Julia's brief introduction, horseshoes ring on the cobblestones, Big Ben strikes three, and Peter Donat reads of Scrooge, who is busy making people unhappy. The Cratchits are merry, cooking the goose and the Christmas pudding. Old Scrooge has been invited but says Bah! Humbug. Mary Risley shows us how to do the pudding, and behold! Scrooge shows up for the happy ending. Peter Donat, of San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater, has had leading roles in movies like "Chinatown" and TV shows like Julia's favorite, "Murder She Wrote."

Go Tell It On the Mountain

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | 29:16

"Go Tell It on the Mountain" was born in the rich and indomitable oral culture of African slaves in the American south. A hundred years later it became a rallying cry for the civil rights struggle of the 1960s. And now, it's a perennial favorite at Christmas concerts and church services across North America.

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"Go Tell It on the Mountain" was born in the rich and indomitable oral culture of African slaves in the American south. A hundred years later it became a rallying cry for the civil rights struggle of the 1960's. And now, it's a perennial favourite at Christmas concerts and church services across North America.

The spiritual "Go Tell It on the Mountain" has come to mean many things depending on the time and place in which it is sung. Freedom anthem, hymn of faith, a simple song of Christmas. As is the case with most spirituals, its music and lyrics cannot be attributed to any one person. African-American composer John Wesley Work is credited with formally adapting the song and including it in a songbook in 1907. But the versions of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" are as varied and distinctive as the people performing it. The lyrics have been adapted and re-adapted and personalized countless times. And it is always, at its heart, a celebration.

My God

From Richard Paul | 25:39

Follow three 12-year-olds — a Muslim boy, an Orthodox Jewish boy and an evangelical Christian girl — at home and at school where they, their parents and teachers talk about their understanding of their faith and their relationship with God.

Playing
My God
From
Richard Paul

Kidsandgod2_small We follow three 12-year olds, a Muslim boy, an Orthodox Jewish boy and an evangelical Christian girl at home and at school where they, their parents and teachers talk about their understanding of their faith and their relationship with God We also hear from Robert Coles, eminent child psychologist and author of The Moral Life of Children and The Spiritual Life of Children.


Segments (9:00-23:59)

Schnartzenholler

From Canadian Broadcasting Corporation | Part of the CBC Radio's Outfront series | 13:20

It's not Christmas. It's not Hanukkah. It's Schnartzenholler! When Emily Pearlman was a child her Jewish father and Christian mother created their own unique holiday celebration.

Prxoutfrontplain_small Schnartzenholler It's not Christmas. It's not Hannukah. It's Schnartzenholler! When Emily Pearlman was a child her Jewish father and Christian mother created their own unique holiday celebration to bridge the gap and give the family something to celebrate together. As Emily and her brother grew up Schnartzenholler lost its appeal. Now, as adults, can the family revive and reinvent it? by Emily Pearlman Producer: Steve Wadhams Outfront Opening and Closing Theme available - (see Timing and Cues section for more details) SEE ADDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS

Holy Land Tour

From Jake Warga | 13:27

A personal tour through the Holy Land, looking at how the conflict started and what it's like today between Jerusalem and Bethlehem...between birth and re-birth.

Playing
Holy Land Tour
From
Jake Warga

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A narrated audio-rich trip through the holy land exploring the modern state of Christmas.  Between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, between Easter and Christmas, there is a modern and yet ancient wall.  In my travels I explore the origins of the conflict, all the way back to Abraham:

 

"...The name “Isaac” means “He Laughs”  His laughter and blood becomes David’s...A lineage dripping with laughter, but blood is mixed with tears.  Ishmael, the name, means “He Weeps”  The brother of Isaac, the brother of Laughter, weeps to this day...

...In Jerusalem, religions compete to see which can get you up the earliest. Call to prayers from loud speakers in minarets try to beat the roosters. Then come wake-up bells from churches.  Not even an Atheist can over-sleep in the holy land. "

Video:

http://hearingvoices.com/news/2009/12/holy-land-tour/
or
http://vimeo.com/8037836

Trekking to the North Pole

From Greenpeace Podcast | Part of the Greenpeace Podcast Segments series | 11:02

In the spring of 2013 four young went on a trek to the North Pole with a message.

Frozenface_small In the spring of 2013 four people went on a trek to the North Pole with a message.

It's Always Christmas When You're Santa Claus

From Jason Sear | Part of the Christmas as a Career: Being Santa series | 09:00

Producer Jason Sear’s uncle has a foot-long beard, drives a red Ford pickup truck he calls his sleigh, and wears red almost every day of the year. He explains what it means to be Santa 24/7 and how he draws inspiration from his father, who was also a Santa for over 35 years.

Santa_jeff_parade_small **Update: December 2023 - My uncle, Jeff Curtis, passed away in 2019. He had been in and out of the hospital dealing with complications from diabetes for a few years. He died on Christmas Day 2019 with family by his side. Thanks for keeping his story alive. His wife, Carolyn Curtis, still performs multiple holiday season gigs every year as Mrs. Claus. 

__________________
For most of the year, my uncle sells heavy equipment machinery parts in the Northwest Chicago suburb of Bartlet, but for 2 months he earns a living as old St. Nicholas himself.  He has a real beard - dyed white and nearly one foot long - he drives a red Ford pickup truck he calls his "sleigh", and he wears red almost everyday of the year.  In this story, he explains what it means to be Santa 24/7 and how he draws inspiration from the memory his late father, who was also a working santa for over 35 years of his life.  My uncle IS Santa Claus - just listen, he'll tell you.

For the past 3 years my uncle has been the official Santa Claus for Chicago's Thanksgiving Day parade.  In addition, this year he was invited to assist with Chicago's official Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

*I'm open to editing of this piece for your station, but please Email me first to get approval. 

PLEASE credit JASON SEAR as the producer & editor of this piece.  Thanks!


Cutaways (5:00-8:59)

Santa University

From Maeve Conran | 06:05

A look at a "School For Santas" in Arvada Colorado

Default-piece-image-1 While every shopping mall in America has a Santa Claus this time of year, take a closer look and you'll see that not every mall Santa has a real beard, let along the full "Santa University" diploma. In this feature, we hear about a training center for Santas in Colorado.

Swedes Love Affair With Donald Duck

From Susan Gray | 06:13

The Swedes like to think of themselves as changing with the times, except when it comes to holiday traditions. On Christmas Eve, for over 50 years, the entire country has gathered around their televisions to watch a one hour cartoon starring Donald Duck. Producer Susan Gray spoke with Ann Hildreth from the American Swedish Institute and Lena Norman from the University of Minnesota to learn why Donald Duck holds a special place in their hearts.

Kalle-anka_small The Swedes like to think of themselves as changing with the times, except when it comes to holiday traditions. On Christmas Eve, for over 50 years, the entire country has gathered around their televisions to watch a one hour cartoon starring Donald Duck. Producer Susan Gray spoke with Ann Hildreth from the American Swedish Institute and Lena Norman from the University of Minnesota to learn why Donald Duck holds a special place in their hearts.

Christmas in the Trenches

From Scott Gurian | 05:51

Folksinger John McCutcheon describes a lesser-known chapter in world history, a 1914 Christmas Eve truce between British and German soldiers in the midst of World War I.

Soldiers_small Folksinger John McCutcheon describes a lesser-known chapter in world history, a 1914 Christmas Eve truce between British and German soldiers in the midst of World War I. McCutcheon's song about the event, "Christmas in the Trenches," plays in the background. Aired on Pacifica Radio on 12/24/02.

Radio Retrospective: Irving Berlin's White Christmas

From Katy Sewall | Part of the Radio Retrospective series | 06:25

You'll never hear the song White Christmas the same way again.

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You'll never hear the song White Christmas the same way again. Discover the reason the song sounds so melancholy by listening back to the Golden Age of Radio. 


Santa Kidnapped: A Radio Rootz Radio Drama Parody

From Radio Rootz | 05:28

Listen to the short Christmas parody here and find out what happened to Santa.

Santa_kidnapped_thumb_small A holiday radio drama and parody about a sleuth who investigates Santa's disappearance, featuring many famous cameos including Mickey Mouse and the Soul Train. The original Christmas Carol is Scrooge's story, this is a new Christmas classic for all to enjoy. Co-written and co-produced by students at Manhattan Comprehensive Night and Day High School.

Yes, Virginia, There Still is A Santa Claus

From Avishay Artsy | 07:00

Is there a Santa Claus? A look at how today’s embattled editorial writers would answer that question.

Santamugshot_small "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." The statement from a big city newspaperman to a little girl has endured for more that a century as an affirmation of Christmas spirit, the power of belief and the seasonal thawing of cynicism. Producer Avishay Artsy wondered how today’s embattled editorial writers would answer that question. Admittedly, he’s a little more than eight years old, but several still took his call.

Episode 6: Behind the Scenes: The Nutcracker

From [redacted] [redacted] | Part of the Ascending: Baltimore School for the Arts series | 08:31

We drop in as some of the most talented teen dancers in the nation get ready for this holiday favorite: The Nutcracker.

Playing
Episode 6: Behind the Scenes: The Nutcracker
From
[redacted] [redacted]

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This month, dance troupes all across America prepare one the most beloved ballets in the country: The Nutcracker Ballet. At Baltimore School for the Arts, the young dancers do the same. But this isn’t any ordinary high school performance. BSA is one of the top arts high schools in the nation. The students here very well may one day be principal dancers in troupes across the country. Producer Louisa Jonas goes behind the scenes as the talented teens get ready for this holiday favorite.

Christmas in Rwanda

From Jake Warga | 10:00

Christmas past, present and future in the East African country of Rwanda.

Rwanda430b_small Orphans tell independent producer Jake Warga that they prefer not to get presents because they remind them of what they don't have. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the slaughter of more than 800,000 people. We see how people are moving past the violent ghosts the genocide left behind.

Carols on the Carillon

From Dale Short | 07:09

Holiday thoughts and sounds from a blind musician in a college bell tower.

Bells_small Broadcast on WBHM, Birmingham A brief carillon lesson and impromptu concert from a blind musician who plays his carols from an unlikely venue: the bell tower of a suburban university


Drop-Ins (2:00-4:59)

The Christmas Gift That's Been in the Workshop for Three Years Too Many

From Syracuse University Broadcast Journalism - 2 | 04:02

New in 2015! Hurricane Sandy did more than just destroy this family's home -- it swept away three years worth of holly jolly Christmases. Since October 29, 2012, the Berardis have been working to rebuild and recover, and it will all pay off this holiday season when they finally get to celebrate Christmas in their home. Another family, however, will spend yet another year out of the home they're used to waking up in on Christmas morning. Despite the challenges they've all faced, the lesson they learned is that home is where the family is.

Img_9630_small Hurricane Sandy did more than just destroy this family's home -- it swept away three years worth of holly jolly Christmases. Since October 29, 2012, the Berardis have been working to rebuild and recover, and it will all pay off this holiday season when they finally get to celebrate Christmas in their home. Another family, however, will spend yet another year out of the home they're used to waking up in on Christmas morning. Despite the challenges they've all faced, the lesson they learned is that home is where the family is.

I Don't Know

From Andy Mills | 04:11

A child's Christmas thoughts spring into song. This is a gem.

Playing
I Don't Know
From
Andy Mills

Winterformusic_small This piece was produced by Andy Mills in collaboration with the musicians Matt and Jacob Boll, Corey and Cobey Bienert and Enoch Kim.

We were looking for new ways to play with sound and story.

The album that we released can be downloaded for free here:

http://dogsontour.co.cc/?p=676

Gold, Frankenstein and Myrrh: A Six-Year-Old's Christmas Story

From Erica Heilman | 04:29

From the Savior's conception to offerings of gold, Frankenstein and myrrh, six-year-old Erin Magill of Moretown, Vermont tells her version of the Christmas story.

Img0015_small From the Saviour's conception to offerings of gold, frankenstein and myrrh, six year old Erin Magill of Moretown, Vermont tells her version of the Christmas story, with help from her creche figures.

RISK! True Holiday Story Segment: Taking It To the Man

From RISK! Storytelling Podcast | 04:59

Steve Spatucci tells of his childhood quest to find Santa Claus

Risk300x300albumart_small RISK! is the show "where people tell true stories they never thought they'd dare to share." Writers, actors and ordinary folks tell their most intimate secrets -- the most loaded moments of their lives. It's hilarious, heartbreaking and often, just plain wonderful. Some stories are told on stage at RISK! live shows and others are radio pieces including music and sound design. 

In this holiday story from RISK! Steve Spatucci recounts his childhood quest to find Santa Claus. Three different length versions of this story are available to suit your programming needs. This story is part of our full hour holiday special: RISK! True Stories For the Holidays

This Wonderful Life

From Scott Huler | 04:12

A gentle parody of the public radio show "This American Life," using the James Stewart Christmas chestnut "It's a Wonderful Life" as a weapon.

George_and_clarence_small Ira Glass's "Wait, tell me that again" interview style is in high relief as he tries to get to the bottom of how an angel named Clarence prevents George Bailey from jumping in the river by tricking him into jumping in the river. In Act II of our program Ira discusses things with Henry Potter. A reference to David Sedaris sneering at New Year's Eve from Paris concludes things.

No Sculpture of Any Kind

From Andy Raskin | Part of the Words Escape Me series | 03:13

Producer Andy Raskin's mom is upset about the condo community's strict holiday decoration policies.

Nocanes_small My mom is upset about the condo community's strict holiday policies.

Dad and Sam (Locked in Brotherhood)

From Jay Allison | Part of the The Life Stories Collection series | 04:43

A short meditation on the relationship between my father and his mentally disabled older brother, Sam.

Dadsmall_small This piece comes from the Life Stories Collection ("Fathers and Sons" hour). I have broken it out because it would work well by itself around either Christmas or Father's Day. The setting is a Christmas table. The story is about my father and his love for his brother Sam, in the face of Sam's mental disability. The love and connection continues past death. Sam was a singer and we hear him sing Oh Holy Night and Silent Night in this piece. The piece was produced in th 1980s sometime, but I think it holds up okay.

Sweden's Curious Christmas

From Rachel Louise Snyder | Part of the Global Guru Radio series | 02:56

What's Donald Duck got to do with a Swedish Christmas?

Guru_logo1_small The Global Guru is a new weekly public radio show that seeks to celebrate global culture. Engaging and rich in sound, the 2:45 interstitial enriches our collective understanding of the vastness of human experience by uncovering the world one small mystery at a time. Presenting station is WAMU in Washington, DC and sponsored by American University in DC. Some of our favorite past shows include: How do Cambodians predict the harvest each year? How did Tanzania become the capitol of barbershops? How and why does Thailand categorize food? What is Iceland’s most feared culinary delight? How do you track a Tasmanian devil? 

The Man Who Gave Away Christmas Trees

From Sean Hurley | 04:39

An interview with "Harry," a man who gives away Christmas trees.

Img43781_small I heard about a man who was letting people come to his mountainside property to cut down their own Christmas Trees. He wasn't charging them and he was helping them tie the trees down to their cars. I gave "Harry" a call. He reluctantly agreed to meet with me. When I arrived, I was surprised to learn that his charity was much deeper than I initially imagined.

For Libertarians and Anarchists, Holiday Giving Is Anti-Tax Activism

From Emily Corwin | 03:04

This is the time of year when people all over the country are coming together, getting food to needy families. But for one community in Manchester, New Hampshire, private acts of charity aren’t just a holiday tradition. They are a display of Libertarian -- even Anarchist -- principles.

Img_0907_small This is the time of year when people all over the country are coming together, getting food to needy families. But for one community in Manchester, New Hampshire, private acts of charity aren’t just a holiday tradition.  They are a display of Libertarian -- even Anarchist --  principles. 

Cell Phone Santa

From Scott Gurian | 04:23

An act of Christmas charity goes horribly awry.

Santacellphone_small Take Santa Claus.  Then ditch the red suit and the flying reindeer, and you've got a guy who's all about giving.  A few years ago, my dad, Randy Gurian, tried out the role, but he got more than he bargained for.

Christmas with Grandma

From Ken Cormier | 02:24

The last time we had Christmas with Grandma, she just about puked...

Default-piece-image-0 Grandma rules over the holiday chaos in this frightenly funny tale of gross overindulgence and raging mania. Children should never have to dodge flying dinnerware while rushing to the aid of a choking dog at Christmas, but this dysfunctional family doesn't see it that way. The story originally appeared in Balance Act: Poems and Stories (Insomniac Press 2000), and this production was submitted as part of the Third Coast International Audio Festival "99 Ways" project.

First US Christmas

From Youth Radio | 03:22

A young mom celebrates Christmas far from home.

Default-piece-image-2 For many of us who have grown up celebrating Christmas, we know the holiday routine. But for hundreds of thousands of new immigrants to the United States, Christmas this year will be spent away from the familiarity of their home country. It?s their first taste of the holiday, U.S.-style. Youth Radio?s Cassandra Gonzalez spent some time with Juliana, a 21-year old who just five months ago crossed the border from Mexico with her young son. The two women compared notes on the holiday, from both sides of the border.

Brooklyn Christmas Tree

From Lizzy Cooper Davis | 02:48

Two minutes with Vincent van Rhyn, a Christmas-tree seller in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Default-piece-image-0 Vincent van Rhyn has been selling Christmas trees since he was 16. He's been on this Brooklyn corner every December for 30 years.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

From KUOW | 03:57

The story of the famous holiday song.

Default-piece-image-1 KUOW's Amanda Wilde talks with singer Margaret Whiting about how she recorded "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with Johnny Mercer.

The White Before Christmas

From La Siréna Imakhu | Part of the True Urban Legends series | 04:04

A spoof: The urban youth version of "The Night Before Christmas."

Imakhu_by_sammie_signature_clean_edit_small Imakhu wrote this piece back in 1994. It has been a popular part of her repertoire. It is an ironic, comical spoof on,"The Night Before Christmas" from an urban perspective.

Christmas Kids

From Hearing Voices | Part of the Wandering Jew stories series | 04:24

The story, myths and rumors of Christmas, as understood (and misunderstood) by Mrs. Beasley's second-graders at Emerson School in Bozeman, Montana. In their uncertainty we hear the inherent strangeness of the holiday, as they mesh into one: Jesus, Santa, mangers, and buying presents "for your step-dad, if you have one."

Bgxmaskids_small The story, myths and rumours of Christmas, as understood (and misunderstood) by Mrs. Beasley's second-graders at Emerson School in Bozeman, Montana. In their uncertainty we hear the inherent strangeness of the holiday, as they mesh into one: Jesus, Santa, mangers, and buying presents "for your step-dad, if you have one." Note: this piece is part of The Plan- Carol http://prx.org/pieces/7595

Home Planet: A not-so-perfect holiday

From Spokane Public Radio | 03:36

We're driven by the belief that we can create this one perfect day or season, and the warmth generated by it will carry us through the rest of the year.

Dte_portrait_copy_small My daughter came to me fighting back tears. She hovered at my side for a moment before drooping dramatically and bonelessly, the way girls do so well, onto the sofa beside me. "What's wrong," I asked warily because I never know what's coming. "I don't know," she said with a long sigh. "Christmas just isn't the same anymore." It was my turn to heave a deep sigh. There were still Thanksgiving leftovers in the refrigerator, for goodness sake. It wasn't even December.

Snowballs at Midnight Mass

From Andrew Witmer | 04:33

Essayist Jonathan Malesic learns something new about Christmas after attending one of the only midnight Catholic masses ever to end in a snowball fight.

Malesic_small In this light-hearted and thoughtful piece, Jonathan Malesic describes how his ideas about celebrating Christmas were changed by a snowball fight after midnight mass in Buffalo, New York. This is an original piece.

A Cook's Notebook: Christmas Lobster

From Ali Berlow | Part of the A Cook's Notebook series | 03:03

The last Xmas meal I cooked for my Jewish husband was lobster. That was in 1994.

Default-piece-image-0 A Cook's Notebook -- airs weekly on WAMC PROMOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST and can read something like: This is Ali Berlow, join me for A Cook's Notebook - refections on food and cooking in our kitchens and in our lives...

Three Days Before Christmas in the Zombie Hut

From Brendan Greeley | 02:49

Several people in a tiki bar respond to the question "What's the worst gift you've ever received?"

Zombiehut_small On December 22, 2003 I spent two hours in the Zombie Hut, a bar on Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, asking two questions: "What is the worst gift you've ever received" and "What is your favorite Christmas Carol?" Things that are not revealed in the two minutes of the piece: I spill a beer on one of the people I interviewed; someone asks if I'm there for NBC. I am not.


Interstitials (Under 2:00)

Who Killed Santa Claus For You?

From Curie Youth Radio | 01:58

How teens learned that Santa wasn't real.

Images_small Parents, take heed. Kids, close your ears. Teenagers from Chicago remember the exact moment they found out that Santa wasn't real. Curie Youth Radio is a writing and radio production class at Curie High School on Chicago's Southwest side. Here, students create their own stories: fresh takes on everything from snowball fights to gang warfare. They see their stories as a way for teenagers in one Chicago high school to reach out to the rest of the world.

Legends and Lore of Christmas - Interstitials (Series)

Produced by Loyola Productions, Inc.

71 One-Minute Christmas Season Interstitials - traditions, legends, lore.

Most recent piece in this series:

Legends and Lore of Christmas-71

From Loyola Productions, Inc. | Part of the Legends and Lore of Christmas - Interstitials series | 01:21

Christmas_small Series wrap up – What is a Carol?

Can I Have Your Attention

From Sara Brooke Curtis | 02:01

A sonic impression of accentuated actualities revolving around my extended family gathering around the dining room table to listen to my grandfather's Thanksgiving day speech.

_mg_2949_small A sonic impression of accentuated actualities revolving around my extended family gathering around the dining room table to listen to my grandfather's Thanksgiving day speech.

Christmas At Home with Hanif Abdurraqib

From work x work | 52:00

Join host Hanif Abdurraqib for a special episode of Object of Sound from PRX and Sonos taking a deep dive into the world of Christmas Music.

Whether you’re flooded with excitement and warm nostalgia at the first beat of ‘Jingle Bells,’ or desperately counting down the days until January, Christmas music is everywhere. From the tackiest tracks to the most moving melodies, join us to explore the soundtrack of the season.

We’ll hear from Song Exploder’s Hrishikesh Hirway and a special guest artist, as well as listeners from across the country who’ve called in to share their non-traditional Christmas traditions.

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Join host Hanif Abdurraqib for a special episode of Object of Sound, from PRX and Sonos, taking a deep dive into the world of Christmas music.

Whether you’re flooded with excitement and warm nostalgia at the first beat of ‘Jingle Bells,’ or desperately counting down the days until January, Christmas music is everywhere. From the tackiest tracks to the most moving melodies, join us to explore the soundtrack of the season.

We’ll hear from special guests: musical duo She & Him, plus Song Exploder’s Hrishikesh Hirway. We'll also hear from listeners across the country who’ve called in to share their non-traditional Christmas traditions.