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Start / Barn och familj / The Christmas Stocking
The Christmas Stocking
Find out where our treasured traditions come from, how people around the world celebrate the holiday, hear heartwarming stories of the season, and some great Christmas music, too, both traditional and...
50 avsnitt • Längd: 0 min • Oregelbundet
Om podden
Find out where our treasured traditions come from, how people around the world celebrate the holiday, hear heartwarming stories of the season, and some great Christmas music, too, both traditional and original. Main page at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Merry Christmas!
The podcast The Christmas Stocking is created by Lee Cameron. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Avsnitt
Representing 45 Boxing Day
27 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas 2009: The day after Christmas means more shopping for many Americans. But for those who celebrate Boxing Day…okay, it means more shopping for them, too. But there’s even more to it! Have a suggestion for the ChristmasStocking? Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free; and you can mark your number private so nobody will know where the call came from. Or get in touch on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Or Facebook.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Good King Wenceslas and His Merry Band” by US Air Force Airmen of Note from “Christmas Time Is Here” (Altissimo!)
Buy at Amazon Music
Background music:
“Breakin’ Up Christmas” by Al Petteway & Amy White from “Winter Tidings: An Appalachian Christmas”
(Maggie’s Music)
Buy at Al and Amy’s website
Buy at Amazon Music
More information:
Snopes.com disabuses my impression of Boxing Day and gives some info.
Kaboose.com has a little Q&A on the topic.
And of course Wikipedia is full of knowledge.
Representing 69 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
26 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas 2011: Merry Christmas! We know Rudolph’s story, more or less, but how did his story come to light? We’re here all year on Facebook, Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and Google+. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net and keep coming back to MyChristmasStocking.net whenever you need some Christmas.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Silent Night” by Sounds Of Blackness from “The Night Before Christmas 2” (Atomic K Records) Buy at Amazon Music
Background music:
“Rudolf The Red Nosed Reindeer” by Tema Digital Media from “Instrumental Christmas” (Tema Digital Media)
“Jolly Old St. Nicholas/Jingle Bells” by Bill Cunliffe, Clay Jenkins, Larry Koonse, Joe La Barbera, Tom Warrington from “Snowfall” (Jazz Compass)
“Joy to the World” by Bing Futch (I found it on MacJams.com)
Buy on Amazon Music
More information:
Snopes.com debunks a myth (that I don’t mention), and has lots of good info. And Wikipedia has even more.
Representing 57 “A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement Clark Moore
24 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas 2010: Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy it. Stay in touch on Twitter.com/XmasStocking and our Facebook page. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.net. Other ways to communicate and a lot more are at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Santa’s On His Way” by The Pipettes
from “Santa’s On His Way”
(Fortuna POP)
Buy at Amazon Music
Background music:
“A Silent Night” by Bernd Rover (from MacJams.com) I could not find this recording on the internet in 2024.
“Christmastime” by illuminati (from MacJams.com)Again, I couldn’t find this recording on the internet in 2024.
“I Saw Three Ships” by The Manor House String Quartet from “I Saw Three Ships and Other Carols”
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Joemy Wilson from “Gifts – Traditional Christmas Carols”
(Dargason Music) Buy at Amazon Music
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by TennesseeVic (from MacJams.com)Another recording lost to time in 2024
More info:
Several versions of the poem, including four published in the 19th century, are on Wikisource.org
Representing 52 “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
23 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas 2010: I love the dancing twins, the pink aluminum Christmas tree, and everything else about A Charlie Brown Christmas. We go behind the scenes. Many ways to get involved. I post a ton of Christmas info on Twitter.com/XmasStocking, and will reply if you message me. The Facebook page is hopping, too. Email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. And what do you want for Christmas? Go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you privately and for free.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Sing Hallelujah (Christ Is Born of Mary)” by 1 Less Stone (from Soundclick.com)
Background music:
“The First Nowell” by David Shelley from “Christmas Sax – Seasonal Favorites With Smooth Jazz”
(Classic Fox Records)
Buy on Amazon Music
“O Come All Ye Faithful” by Michael Ryan from “A Classical Guitar Christmas”
Buy on Amazon Music
More information:
Infoplease.com, MentalFloss.com, Wikia.com and, of course, Wikipedia.com have some more about the production.
Amazon has many DVD versions, including this one and the Holiday Collection, some Blu-rays (this is the most basic version), (oh–and this is the Holiday Collection Blu-ray).
I’m not positive this is completely accurate, but this claims to be the original ending of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. The original link was taken down.
Representing 29 “Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry
22 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas 2008: In this super-stuffed Christmas Stocking episode, one of my favorite Christmas stories. I hope you enjoy it. Find info at MyChristmasStocking.net. If you have any stories or poems you would like to be shared on The Christmas Stocking, you can email me: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Also follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Away in a Manger” by Amy Caldwell and Tom Moore (from Soundclick.com)
Background music:
“All Poor Men And Humble” by The Eden Symphony Orchestra from “20 Classical Christmas Favorites”
(Classic Fox Records)
“Christmas Pathetique” by Michael Allen Harrison from “Enchanted Christmas Volume Three”
(MAH Records) Buy at Amazon Music
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Tommy Harden (from “Peace On Earth”)
(IMI)
You can read the story yourself.
Wikipedia has a nice overview of other versions of the story.
If you want to find out more about O. Henry (including his real name) The Literature Network is a good resource.
Representing 43 Christmas in Ireland
21 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas 2009: A Mini Irish Christmas Music Spectacular! Info, music and Christmas traditions from a listener who emailed TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. You can be on the Christmas Stocking. Just go to MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button and enter your phone number. My voicemail will call you for free, and you can mark your number private. Follow us on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Mrs. Fogarty’s Christmas Cake” by Darby O’Gill (I originally found it on Soundclick.com. It’s now on Archive.org)
“Children Go Where I Send Thee” by Darby O’Gill (also originally from Soundclick.com, now on Archive.org) An African-American spiritual they say is based on an ancient Irish patter song.
“Silent Irish Night” by Rebsie Fairholm (I originally found it on MacJams.com. I could not find it anymore.)
Background music:
“Christmas Day in the Morning” by Shira Kammen (from Magnatune)
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by Monika Herzig from “Peace on Earth” (Owl Studios, now Owl Music Group) Buy at Bandcamp
More information:
Santa’s Net, Kaboose.com, and WhyChristmas.com all have cool tidbits.
Representing 32 Christmas in the Early 20th Century
20 december 2024 |
min
All of the represented episodes (will probably) have intros.
This one is from Christmas 2008: A lot happened in the first half of the 20th century, and we look at how Christmas was affected. More at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Follow me on Twitter.com/XmasStocking. And join us on Facebook. And talk to me be on MyChristmasStocking.net, click the Call Me button, and my voicemail will call you.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Jingle Bells” by Joe Williams from “Christmas Remixed 2”
(Rock River Music)Buy on Amazon
Buy at Bandcamp
Background music:
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Jeffrey Scot Wills from “A Central Standard Christmas”
(IMI) Buy from Jeffrey
“Noel Nouvelet/Patapan Medley” by Sarah Whitely (I found it on MacJams.com). I’m unable to find any information on this song. If you have a location for it, I’d love to send folks there!
More information:
OldChristmasLights.com, formerly The Antique Christmas Lights Museum, has information.
History.com has details on the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Wikipedia has a list of Christmas hit singles.
Representing 19 Santa’s Letter to Suzy Clemens
18 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas ’07: A change of pace this episode. Suzy Clemens, the daughter of Mark Twain, received at least one letter from Santa Claus. Can you imagine? That would be so cool! We will look over her shoulder and read it. Let me know what you think of this special episode at MyChristmasStocking.net. Or email me: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Background music:
“Variations on a West Country Carol” by USAF Concert Band and Singing Sergeants (from “Make the Season Bright”)
(Altissimo!)
Buy on Amazon
“Away in a Manger” by Frank McConnell (from “Christmas Guitar – Warm And Intimate Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records) Buy on Amazon
Featured music:
“Snow” by The von Trapp Children (from “Snow – New Songs of the Season”)
(IMI)
Buy at Amazon
More information:
If you would like a copy for yourself, maybe to read to your child…
Representing 17 Victorian Christmas
17 december 2024 |
min
From Christmas ’07: A lot of what we know as Christmas came from the Victorian era, and some earlier traditions that we enjoy today were revived in the Victorian era. Call us at (323) 487-1225. Tell us your favorite traditions at MyChristmasStocking.net. Or email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Background music:
“O Little Town Of Bethlehem” by The Columba Minstrels (from “Christmas On The Back Porch- 20 Treasured Songs of the Season performed in Simple Folk styles”)
Buy on Amazon
“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” by Eric Wyse (from “Christmas Angels- 20 Treasured Songs of the Season Performed In Peaceful Styles”)
(Classic Fox Records) Buy on Amazon
“We Three Kings Of Orient Are” by London Fox Players & Tim Mather (from “20 Christmas Party Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records) Buy on Amazon
Featured music:
“I Saw Three Ships” by The Choir of St George’s Chapel, Windsor (from “Cathedral Christmas”)
(Classic Fox Records) Buy on Amazon
“Love Came Down At Christmas” by Chichester Cathedral Choir (from “20 Choral Christmas Favorites”)
(Classic Fox Records)Buy on Amazon
More information:
From the original post, the official web site of the British monarchy had an excellent history, but unfortunately the webpage seems to no longer exist.
Also unfortunately, Stuart Buchanan MacWatt wrote about the personal side of Victoria and her family’s approach to Christmas, which is also gone.
A link to the holiday store windows of the past from Victoriana.com is no longer available.
Ah! But a nice overview of Christmas in Victorian times is still there for you to enjoy, and perhaps learn a bit more.
Representing 3 O, Christmas Tree
14 december 2024 |
min
You’ll find a little introduction before the episode.
From Christmas ’06: The centerpiece of holiday decorating is the Christmas tree. Why do we bring a tree inside the house and put pretty baubles on it? Where did that tradition come from? We’ll answer those questions and more on the Christmas Stocking. Comment atMyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Background music includes:
“Deck the Halls” by Technohazard (from GarageBand.com)
“O Christmas Tree,” one of Patricia’s Christmas Carols (formerly from Soundclick.com)
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by John Morgan, available on a CD of Christmas music. I found it at feelslikechristmas.com
Featured song:
“Holy Night” by Sandra Mooy (available on Bandcamp.com
If you want to learn more about Christmas trees:
The National Christmas Tree Association has a lot of information, including tree maintenance.
Wikipedia has a decent history, too, although it has a lot of opinions sprinkled in the information.
141 O Come, All Ye Faithful and more
22 december 2018 |
min
The story of “O Come, All Ye Faithful” is a bit fuzzy. We’ll see if we can focus it a little. Just a little. Plus bonus songs you’ll love! I do. Email me at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Call (323) 487-12-25. Follow the Christmas Stocking on Facebook and Twitter @XmasStocking. Thanks to the generous souls who have given to the show at MyChristmasStocking.net/Contribute. Find videos and all the episodes at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured songs:
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Meagan Taylor and Jason Coleman from “A Tennessee Christmas” (from Noisetrade)
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Charleene Closshey
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
See the video on YouTube (she’s amazing)
“Joy Whispered” by Rändi Fay
Buy on iTunes
See the lyric video on YouTube
Background music:
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
“Adeste Fidelis” by Frank Carter from the album “Deck the Halls”
Get the album from Frank
More information:
Learn more about “O Come, All Ye Faithful” from Wikipedia.
Hear more carols and their origins at Carols.MyChristmasStocking.net
It’s the 200th anniversary of the first performance of “Silent Night” and I talk about it and play it here.
140 Christmas Lights
12 december 2018 |
min
It’s not Christmas without Christmas lights. Well, at least these days. How did the electric ones develop and get popular? We’ll talk about that and more. Every episode is at MyChristmasStocking.net, along with a lot more, including video and some pictures. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Call (323) 487-12-25. Find the Christmas Stocking on Twitter @XmasStocking and Facebook. Thanks to everyone who’s given to the show at MyChristmasStocking.net/Contribute.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured song:
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by the Gothard Sisters from the album “Falling Snow”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Goodbye Charles” by Over the Rhine from “Even The Snow Turns Blue: An Over the Rhine Christmas Compilation” (from Noisetrade) and “Snow Angels”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“The French Carol” by the Gothard Sisters from the album “Falling Snow”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
More information:
Learn more details from The Smithsonian Magazine.
Hear more episodes about Christmas trees of all types at Trees.MyChristmasStocking.net
Re-re-representing Episode Number 8: A Middle Ages Christmas
10 december 2018 |
min
Rereleasing the show again! Another episode from the first season back in 2006. I wrote, “How was a Middle Ages Christmas different? For one thing, no one got an iPod.” I guess our Christmases have more in common with the Middle Ages now than when I first presented it. Find out how they celebrated way back when on this edition of the Christmas Stocking. The Christmas Stocking is on Facebook and on Twitter (@XmasStocking). And call (323) 487-12-25. Find every episode, including the unaltered version of this episode at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured song:
“A Pirate’s 12 Days of Christmas” by Gastronomical Unit (from GarageBand.com)
Buy it on iTunes
Background music includes:
“What Child is This” by Stephen Bashaw. I found it at feelslikechristmas.com
“Jingle Bells” by The R&R Project (it was on GarageBand.com)
Representing Episode Number 1: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
22 november 2018 |
min
From all the way back in 2006! Back then I started the season the day before Thanksgiving, so I assumed, correctly, I’m sure, that everyone listening had already seen the parade. Well, I’m even later this year. And the info is 12 years old. I don’t know how many episodes I’ll be able to get out this year, but I hope to have a few new ones. I’ll also sprinkle in some of these chestnuts that have dropped off the feed. I hope you enjoy it. There are old ways to get ahold of me and to find the show. All the episodes are at MyChristmasStocking.net. Email: TopElf at MyChristmasStocking.NET. Find the Christmas Stocking on Twitter (@XmasStocking) and Facebook. Call (323) 487-12-25.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured song:
The Santa Claus Rock by Howard Pearlman (originally from feelslikechristmas.com)
Background music:
1) Deck the Halls by John Morgan, available on a CD of holiday music. I found it at feelslikechristmas.com
2) Birth to the Savior by Rejoice (from the old GarageBand.com–not the Apple digital audio app)
More information:
Learn more about the parade from Macy’s. And I talked about them streaming it later, and I think you may be able to stream it later on the NBC app or NBC.com. Oh–and the Verizon 360 view.
I briefly mentioned the Boscov Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, which is now the abc6 Dunkin’ Donuts Parade, and in-between was the IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade. Also America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Chicago (now Uncle Dan’s Thanksgiving Day Parade), the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade in Houston, and the Best Buy Thanksgiving Day Parade in Baltimore, which doesn’t seem to be a thing anymore.
139 The Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular! Seriously!
1 september 2018 |
min
Happy Labor Day weekend! Still summer! (At least when I’m posting.) It’s been a crazy year. It’s a mostly-favorites (mine) spectacular this year, with a couple of special previously unplayed songs I think you’ll like. Thank you for your gifts to the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. They mean a lot. The Christmas Stocking is on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Pinterest (not enough, I know) and Facebook. Email [email protected]. The phone number is (323) 487-12-25, open any time.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Christmas Valentine (With You)” by Kimly
Music and lyrics by Kimly Hoang
Arranged by Jerry Andrews and Kimly Hoang
Produced by Jerry Andrews
Originally titled “Mine This Christmas.” On YouTube.
Find more Kimly on SoundCloud and Facebook.
“It’s Christmas” by Cleveland DERUE Cathnott (from GarageBand.com)
“O Christmas Tree” by 21 AD from “Christmas…A Winter’s Love” (Lifestyles)
Buy at iTunes Music Store
Buy at Amazon MP3
“The Christmas Song Song” by Rocky and Balls from the album “We Like Cake And Beards And Stuff”
“Children Go Where I Send Thee” by Darby O’Gill (from Soundclick.com) An African-American spiritual they say is based on an ancient Irish patter song.
“Doesn’t Seem Like Christmas” by Dennis Hensley
“Wake Up, It’s Christmas!” by Peter Combe
Buy at AmazonMP3
Buy at CD Baby
Background music:
“Dance to da Beat” by 5 is Even (I found it on Mevio.com)
“Joy Kinda Holiday-ish” by Charlie Crowe (I found it on Mevio.com)
“Nutcracker” by Dat Boi Trill
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Rhesa Siregar (Songs of Praise)
“God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” by Kevin Zerbe from “The Christmas Wish List”
“Veni, Veni, Emmanuel” by Frank Carter from the album “Deck the Halls”
Get the album from Frank
More information:
Upcoming Christmas albums: “Shatner Claus” by William Shatner (preorder the CD); “Happy Xmas” by Eric Clapton (preorder the CD and vinyl!); Brett Eldredge’s new Christmas album, still a mystery at release time; “It’s the Holiday Season” by Martina McBride (plus a tour!)–okay, okay, I said she hadn’t released a Christmas album in 20 years, giving Brett Eldredge a hard time. EXCEPT YOU DIDN’T HEAR THAT! Due to an editing mistake by my editor (aka me), I cut out info on Brett Eldredge’s Christmas album, which will come out this year. He last had a Christmas album two years ago, and he’s the one I was referring to when I talked about that. Not Eric Clapton, who’s never released a Christmas album (although he has performed a few recorded songs for compilations). I apologize to you, Brett Eldredge and Eric Clapton. And Martina McBride released “The Classic Christmas Album” in 2017. Oops.
The complete Good Housekeeping list of Hot Toys for Christmas 2018. Including Fingerlings Untamed Raptors which I saw available on Amazon, in spite of the fact that the website link previous says “Be the First to Know;” Num Noms Snackable Cereal; Hasbro’s Don’t Step in It game (oh, man, I hadn’t seen Don’t Step in It Unicorn Edition when I talked about it!); Pomsies Grumblies; Melissa and Doug Examine and Treat Pet Vet Set; Little Live Scruff-a-Luvs pets (man, I didn’t realize how expensive they are!).
More about the Capitol Christmas Tree is here.
138 The Three Wise Men
3 januari 2018 |
min
Thanks to a suggestion Vivian made on Facebook, we learn a bit about the Three Wise Men, Three Kings, Three Magi–all the same people and all more characters than verifiable real people. Call (323) 487-12-25 any time and share whatever you’d like. Get in on next season or summer early, or just say hi. Email [email protected]. I so appreciate the gifts to the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. They make a huge difference. Besides Facebook, find the Christmas Stocking on Twitter (@XmasStocking) and on Pinterest.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“We Three Kings” by Found Wandering from the album “Christmas in Country Village”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Found Wandering’s Christmas videos are also available.
Background music:
“Wish Background” by Kevin McLeod (from Incompetech)
“We Three Kings” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Auld Lang Syne” by Dexter Britain from “Xmas 2012” (from the Free Music Archive)
More information:
Actually, Wikipedia has a lot of good information about the Magi.
The Washington Post article by Diana Butler Bass headlined, “Why Jesus’ first Christmas gifts were truly shocking.”
The Christmas Stocking talked about the traditions of Three Kings Day at Epiphany.MyChristmasStocking.net
Find all of the post-Christmas episodes, some or all of which you may have missed, at PostChristmas.MyChristmasStocking.net
137 “Keeping Christmas” by Henry van Dyke
21 december 2017 |
min
Not a story this time. More like a sermon/essay. I hope you like it. Please join us on Twitter (@XmasStocking), Facebook and on Pinterest (where I realize I’m not active enough). Call (323) 487-12-25 and share what Christmas is to you or wish Merry Christmas. Or you can email [email protected]. Thank you so much for the gifts to the Christmas Stocking. MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. They mean a lot.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Glory in the Heights” by Ryan Flanigan from the album “Merry Christmas, Good Night Vol. 5” (from Noisetrade)
Buy on Bandcamp
Background music:
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Kevin MacLeod (from Incompetech)
“Ding Dong Merrily on High” by The Manor House String Quartet from “I Saw Three Ships and Other Carols”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Read along with me and read the rest of _The Spirit of Christmas” on Project Gutenberg.
136 “Home Alone”
18 december 2017 |
min
Some things you probably didn’t know about a holiday favorite. Thank you for the gifts to the Christmas Stocking at MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. I feel a little like Sally Brown in “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” but it really does help. Stop by the Christmas Stocking Facebook page (and Like and Follow us, too!), and Follow on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and on Pinterest (where I realize I’m not active enough). The phone’s always open, any time, (323) 487-12-25. Don’t wait if you want to share on the show. What is Christmas to you? Or email [email protected].
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Away in a Manger” by Matt diVenti from the EP “Christmas Songs Vol. 1” (from Noisetrade)
Find Matt on YouTube
Background music:
“Jingle Bells” by the California Guitar Trio
Buy their music here
“The Wassail Song” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
“Christmas Medley by Gina and Kev” by Gina Kellenberger and by Kevin Zerbe
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”by the California Guitar Trio from the album “A Christmas Album”
Buy their music here
More information:
Learn all about “Home Alone” from Wikipedia.
IMDb has a lot of info, including trivia.
Learn about the making of the gangster movie in “Home Alone” (it’s totally part of the movie) from Vanity Fair, of all places.
See the connection between Kevin McCallister and Monica and Chandler.
An analysis of Marv and Harry’s injuries suffered at the hands of Kevin.
Hear about more Christmas movies in the Christmas Stocking at Movies.MyChristmasStocking.net
135 The Jesse Tree
14 december 2017 |
min
It’s not about Advent, really, but it’s kind of about Advent. If you want to be on the show, call (323) 487-12-25 now. We’re getting kind of close to the day. What is Christmas to you? You can also email [email protected]. Thank you for giving to the Christmas Stocking at MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. It’s huge to me. Keep in touch on Twitter (@XmasStocking), or Facebook, or Pinterest.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Star of Hope” by Katey Laurel from the double album “This is Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Joy to the World” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Star of Hope Instrumental” by Katey Laurel
More information:
Wikipedia has a lot about the history of the Tree of Jesse.
Why Christmas has a bit about how you can incorporate a Jesse Tree into your holiday.
Jesuit ministry the Loyola Press has more ideas about working the Jesse Tree into your Advent.
While we’re at it, I talked about Advent in 2009, and played a great rendition of “People Look East.” It’s at Advent.MyChristmasStocking.net
134 Christmas Toys 1990-1999
11 december 2017 |
min
If you grew up in the ’90s, or had kids who grew up in the ’90s, you will remember these classics. Let me know if you loved any of these on Facebook, or on Twitter (@XmasStocking), or Pinterest. Make a phone call to the Christmas Stocking! (323) 487-12-25. Tell me what Christmas is to you. Or write (or send an audio file) to [email protected]. Thanks for the gifts to the Christmas Stocking at MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute!
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“An Elf Named Moe” by Carl Stuck
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Find out more about the art contest at AnElfNamedMoe.com
Background music:
“Decking the Halls in 1966” by Juan Oskar from “Christmas is for Grownups Too” (I found it on Mevio.com)
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“El Noche De Silencio” byBrian Bunker Christmas
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Deck the Halls” by Frank Carter from the album “Deck the Halls”
Get the album from Frank
More information:
Learn more about the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from GrnRngr.com.
Wikipedia will tell you about Beanie Babies, Tickle Me Elmo, Tamagotchi, Furby, and Yu-Gi-Oh!
Learn more about Pokémon from Bulbapedia on Bulbagarden.
Hear episodes about toys from all of the other decades of the 20th century, and find other episodes where I talk about toys, at Toys.MyChristmasStocking.net.
133 The First Noel
7 december 2017 |
min
It’s a great story, beautifully told in this old, old carol. How old? Not sure. Thank you for giving to the Christmas Stocking at MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute! Call me at (323) 487-12-25 and tell me what_is_ Christmas to you. Or write (or send an audio file) to [email protected]. Join the Christmas Stocking on Twitter (@XmasStocking), Facebook and Pinterest.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“The First Noel” by Sleeping at Last from the album “Christmas Collection, Volume One”
Get it on Noisetrade and support Love Does
Buy on Vinyl or CD
Background music:
“The First Noel” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Peace Christmas” by Lobo Loco from the album “Memories” (from the Free Music Archive)
More information:
Learn more about “The First Noel” from CBN and Wikipedia.
Learn about the origins of many other carols, caroling and more from The Christmas Stocking at Carols.MyChristmasStocking.net
132 Christmas in the Caribbean
4 december 2017 |
min
On our Facebook page, Richie suggested I talk about this. Good suggestion! The Christmas Stocking is also on Twitter (@XmasStocking) and Pinterest. Thank you for the gifts sent through MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. They are a big help and make me feel good! Be on the show! Call (323) 487-12-25. What_is_ Christmas to you? You can also send your response to [email protected].
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“The Virgin Mary” by Lara Landon from the EP “Christmas“(from Noisetrade)
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Ipanema Holiday” by Juan Oskar from “Christmas is for Grownups Too”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Little Peace at Christmas” by Philip (Squire Tuck) Rougier (from the Free Music Archive)
“A Ukulele for Christmas (instrumental)” by Lee Rosevere (from the Free Music Archive)
More information:
Believe it or not, CheapCaribbean.com has a lot of information.
You’ll find more traditions at News Americas.
131 The Yule Cat
30 november 2017 |
min
Sounds cuddly, right? He’s not. He’s from Iceland. Some of their Christmas legends are stone cold scary. Call (323) 487-12-25, and be on the show! Tell us what Christmas is to you, say Merry Christmas, or do your own thing! Follow the Christmas Stocking on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Pinterest. Give to the show at MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. Thank you if you have!
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“This Great Old Christmas Night” by Sofia Talvik from the album “When Winter Comes, A Christmas Album”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Still, Still, Still” by the Gothard Sisters from the album “Falling Snow”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“The Happy Elf” by the Gothard Sisters from the album “Falling Snow”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Sussex Carol” by The Manor House String Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and Other Carols”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon.com
More information:
Learn more about the Yule Cat from Wikipedia, I iz Cat, Nerdist, and I 
Reykjavik.
Hear Björk perform “Jólakötturinn – Hvít Er Borg Og Bær (Icelandic Christmas Cat).”
130 The Rockefeller Christmas Tree 2017: From PA to NYC
27 november 2017 |
min
Learn the story of this year’s Rock Center tree–it’s an interesting one! Thanks to everyone who’s given to the show at MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. If you want to be on the show, call (323) 487-12-25, tell what Christmas is to you, say Merry Christmas to someone you love, or whatever! Join us on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Pinterest.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by David and Deidre Casey from the album “Imagine It’s Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“O Tannenbaum” by Dan Lerch from the album “Badgerland: A Very Badgerland Christmas” (from the Free Music Archive)
“O Holy Night” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“O Christmas Tree” by Mark Bodino from “My Favorite Christmas Guitar Songs All Year Round”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Carol of the Bells” by the California Guitar Trio from the album “A Christmas Album”
Buy their music here
More information:
The Today Show, of course, has some of the story.
CBS New York has the story from 1010 WINS, including an interview with the tree donor.
Newsday’s AM New York has some secrets of the Rockefeller Christmas tree.
To hear all of the episodes that mention the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree (I think), go to RockCenter.MyChristmasStocking.net
129 Staying Secure on Black Friday and Beyond
23 november 2017 |
min
If you’re looking to get your shop on, make sure you do it wisely. I’m not going to help you choose gifts, but I’ll give you some tips to stay safe in the stores and online. Want more? We’re on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Pinterest. I appreciate the generous gifts! Go to MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. Call the Christmas Stocking at (323) 487-12-25. Tell what Christmas is to you, say Merry Christmas to someone you love, whatever you like. You might be on the show!
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Home for Christmas” by Robbie Nova from “Mistletoe–the Christmas EP”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” by Frank Carter from the album “Deck the Halls”
Get the album from Frank
“Snowmen” by Frank Carter from the album “Deck the Halls”
Get the album from Frank
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Rhesa Siregar (Songs of Praise)
More information:
A look at Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay from Tom’s Guide.
From Apple: All about Apple Pay. where you can use Apple Pay.
From Android: All about Android Pay, where you can use Android Pay.
From Samsung: All about Samsung Pay.
A look at Samsung Pay from Android Central (with some comparison of that and Android Pay).
Listen to all of the Black Friday episodes of the Christmas Stocking at BlackFriday.MyChristmasStocking.net.
For folks with the holiday blues spend some time with Blues.MyChristmasStocking.net.
128 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade 2017
20 november 2017 |
min
Some facts about Macy’s parade that I haven’t talked about, and what’s happening in 2017. Thanks for giving to the Christmas Stocking! MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. Be on the show! The number is (323) 487-12-25. Call and tell me what Christmas is to you, say Merry Christmas to someone you love, or whatever. You could hear it this season! Find the Christmas Stocking on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Pinterest.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Evergreen” by Rändi Fay from the EP “Evergreen”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Meatball Parade” by Kevin MacLeod (from Incompetech)
“Carpe Diem” by Kevin MacLeod (from Incompetech)
Music byKevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
More information:
NYCVP, am New York, History Channel, and Wikipedia have more on the history of Macy’s parade.
Macy’s and Thrillist will tell you more about the current parade.
Find past parade and Thanksgiving episodes of the Christmas Stocking at Thanksgiving.MyChristmasStocking.net
Hear all about “Miracle on 34th Street” in this episode from 2007: Miracle.MyChristmasStocking.net
127 The Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular Number 11
15 augusti 2017 |
min
Another year we need a bit of escape from the world. That’s what I’m here for–in the summer, at least. The Christmas Stocking is on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Pinterest. Please join me! Thanks to everyone who has given to the Christmas Stocking! MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. Call (323) 487-12-25 and say Merry Christmas to someone you love, you could hear it this season!
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Snow” by Sleeping at Last from the album “Yearbook – Collection”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“O Come O Come Emmanuel” by NiTasha Jackson from the collection “Transcending Christmas: A Beautiful Journey from Heaven to Earth” (from Noisetrade)
Click here to get the album
“Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming” by Found Wandering from the album “On a Christmas Night”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Where Angels Don’t Belong” by David and Deidre Casey from the album “Imagine It’s Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“O Holy Night” by Philip Calder from the collection “Transcending Christmas: A Beautiful Journey from Heaven to Earth” (from Noisetrade)
Click here to get the album
“Angels We Have Heard on High (Glory to God Most High)” by Stephen Miller from the EP “Light Has Broken Through” (from Noisetrade)
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Two Birds” by Katey Laurel from the double album “This is Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“To Absent Friends This Christmas” by Philip (Squire Tuck) Rougier from the EP “A Festive Felicitations” (from the Free Music Archive)
“Bringing Joy at Christmas” by Philip (Squire Tuck) Rougier from the EP “A Festive Felicitations” (from the Free Music Archive)
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”by the California Guitar Trio from the album “A Christmas Album”
Buy their music here
“Christmas Card” junior85 from the album “It’s Christmas II” (from the Free Music Archive)
“Christmas Bells” by Philip Gardner (from MacJams.com)
More information:
126 “The Fairy Christmas” by Etheldred B. Barry
22 december 2016 |
min
A bedtime story with an important message for all of us. The phone number is (323) 487-12-25. Call and tell me what Christmas IS to you. Thanks to everyone who has given to the Christmas Stocking! MyChristmasStocking.net/contribute. Get social with the Christmas Stocking on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), Google+ and Pinterest.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Al Lewis
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Emmanuel” by Melody and Truth from the album “Merry Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“O Come All Ye Faithful” by Howard Eddy
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Frank Carter from the album “Christmas Cheer”
Get the album from Frank
Buy on iTunes
Read along and find other stories in The Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories for Children.
125 The Legend of the Christmas Spider
20 december 2016 |
min
It’s all about tinsel. Find the Christmas Stocking on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, Pinterest and Google+. Call (323) 487-12-25 and tell me what Christmas IS to you. Thanks to Rick in Pennsylvania for the generous gift to the Christmas Stocking! Go to MyChristmasStocking.net and click Contribute.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“The Lights on the Trees” by Matt diVenti from the EP “Christmas Songs Vol. 1” (from Noisetrade)
Find Matt on YouTube
“This is Christmas” by Katey Laurel from the double album “This is Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“The First Noel” and “Good King Wenceslas” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
“Unto Us a Child is Born”by the California Guitar Trio from the album “A Christmas Album”
Buy their music here
“This is Christmas Instrumental” by Katey Laurel
This version isn’t available to buy.
More information:
Wikipedia has more on the legend itself, tinsel, and the Christmas spider of Australia.
Kraftmstr.com has a version of the legend.
The Pet Poison Helpline has more information on the dangers of tinsel.
124 Silent Night
16 december 2016 |
min
You may have heard the story of the origin of “Silent Night,” but I may have some info you didn’t know about. Find out about more carols at MyChristmasStocking.net. The phone number is (323) 487-12-25 What IS Christmas to you? We do the social thing–on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), Pinterest and Google+.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Silent Night” by Shuree from the EP “Christmas Soul Unplugged” (from Noisetrade)
Background music:
“Silent Night” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Silent Night” by The Manor House String Quartet from “I Saw Three Ships and Other Carols”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Silent Night No Percussion Instrumental” by Katey Laurel from the album “This is Christmas”
This version isn’t available to buy, but you can buy her beautiful vocal on iTunes. The whole album is great.
More information:
Find more information about the hymn from the BBC, In Mozart’s Footsteps and Stille Nacht Gesellschaft.
Find many English translations, including the one you probably know, on the Silent Night Web.
123 Christmas Toys 1980-1989
12 december 2016 |
min
We continue on our march through toy time. Did you love any of these toys? Let me know on Twitter (@XmasStocking),on Facebook, Google+ and Pinterest. And of course MyChristmasStocking.net. Call (323) 487-12-25 and share what Christmas IS to you!
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Infant Lowly Infant Lowly” by Chris Rupp featuring the Hound + the Fox from “A Little Bit of Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Christmas Rap” by Kevin McLeod (from Incompetech)
“Winter White Forest” by Howard Eddy
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
More information:
About the Rubik’s Cube from Wikipedia and The Telegraph.
About the Care Bears from Wikipedia and AG Kids Zone.
About My Little Pony from Wikipedia and Hasbro.
Wikipedia will tell you about the Cabbage Patch Kids, the Transformers, the Koosh Ball, Pictionary, American Girl (and AmericanGirl.com), and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
122 “Elf” the Movie
8 december 2016 |
min
Eddie Lee on Facebook suggested I talk about “Elf.” Here we go! Plus a call from Terry in New York about what Christmas IS to him. You can call (323) 487-12-25, too! We’re all over social media: on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Pinterest and Google+.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Key to Christmas” by William McKechnie from “Key to Christmas Fluffy Snow”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Hark the Herald Angels Sing” by Dave Jones (from MacJams.com)
“Jingle Bells” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“The Holly and the Ivy” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
“Joy to the World” by The Manor House String Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and Other Carols”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon.com
More information:
Wikipedia has lots of information.
IMDb will tell you a lot.
Mental Floss will tell you some things you might not know about the movie.
121 Happy Vs. Merry Christmas
5 december 2016 |
min
Do you say “Happy Christmas” or “Merry Christmas”? Either way, you’re right. Find out how the expressions developed. Plenty of Christmas news and info on Twitter (@XmasStocking), a great Christmas community on Facebook, and Google+ and Pinterest. Call (323) 487-12-25 and tell me what Christmas IS to you, and you may be on the show. Thanks to everyone who contributes, MyChristmasStocking.net, click Contribute.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Sing We Noel” by Found Wandering from the album “On a Christmas Night”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“We Wish You A Merry Christmas” by the United States Marine Band from “Holiday Music Selections” (from the Free Music Archive)
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Jason Shaw (from Audionautix.com)
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by The Manor House String Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and Other Carols”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon.com
“Sing We (Merrily on High & Now of Christmas)” by Frank Carter from the album “Christmas Cheer”
Get the album from Frank
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
More information:
Patheos delves into the Happy vs. Merry conundrum. Hello Giggles’ take on the same thing. And so does Wonderopolis.
120 The National Christmas Center
1 december 2016 |
min
We travel to Pennsylvania Dutch country to visit a regional favorite. Thanks for the suggestion, Steven! He wrote to [email protected] to suggest it. Join us on Facebook, where I’m posting some Live Video among other stuff, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), where I’m posting news and other Christmas links, and Pinterest and Google+, where I post about the show. I want your voice on the show! Call (323) 487-12-25 and explain what Christmas IS to you. Explore MyChristmasStocking.net for over 100 other episodes.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“December Daze” by Janet Devlin from the EP “December Daze”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Winter Whimsy” by Shay MacKay (from MacJams.com)
“Christmastime” by illuminati (from MacJams.com)
More information:
The National Christmas Center website has pretty much everything you need to know.
The Reading, PA, Eagle talked to the founder and owner of the National Christmas Center, Jim Morrison in 2015.
Travel sites Discover Lancaster, Visit PA, and Roadside America have more info if you want to visit.
119 Cutting Down Your Own Christmas Tree
28 november 2016 |
min
If you’ve never cut your own Christmas tree, or haven’t in a while, here are some tips in an extra-sized episode. Lots of Christmas news and fun on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook (including Live Video), Pinterest andGoogle+. Find everything at MyChristmasStocking.net. Tell me what Christmas IS to you at (323) 487-12-25 and you could be on the show. Email [email protected].
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Ave Maria” by Bunny Sigler from the album “When You’re in Love at Christmastime”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Oh Christmas Tree” by Frank Carter from the album “Christmas Cheer”
Get the album from Frank
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Oh Christmas Tree” by the California Guitar Trio from the album “A Christmas Album”
Buy their music here
“Star on the Tree” by Howard Eddy
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
More information:
The Pioneer Tree Farm in McHenry, IL, provided most of the tips I gave.
The National Christmas Tree Association tells you how to care for your farm-grown Christmas tree.
The U.S. Forest Service has information for the Rocky Mountain Region tree cutting program and guidelines for getting your tree in the national forests where available.
Some information about the 2016 Rockefeller Christmas Tree and how to be there (maybe next year?) from RockCenter itself. More about the tree itself from Curbed NY.
118 Black Friday–Still a Thing?
24 november 2016 |
min
It just seems like Black Friday doesn’t have the buzz it used to, does it? But we’re still going to shop this year, so I have a few things to say about that. And an email at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET about what Christmas IS to them. Would love to hear your voice telling me at (323) 487-12-25! You’ll find the Christmas Stocking on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), Google+ and Pinterest. And of course at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Someone to Love This Christmas” by Michelle Hylan
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Jingle Bells” by the California Guitar Trio
Buy their music here
“Holiday Glory” by Howard Eddy
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Up on the Housetop” by Frank Carter from the album “Christmas Cheer”
Get the album from Frank
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“The Holly and the Ivy” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
More information:
DealNews has what they say are the 12 biggest Black Friday myths.
Digital Strategy Consulting reveals more research on Black Friday post-Brexit in the UK.
117 Getting Your Eats on for Thanksgiving and Christmas
21 november 2016 |
min
What do you eat for the holidays? What’s common? What’s special to regions and families? And a phone call at (323) 487-12-25. You should call! Or email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. Tell the world what Christmas IS to you. Lots more Christmas Stocking on Twitter (@XmasStocking), Facebook, and Google+. Find all the episodes, show notes and links at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Ringing Bells (feat. Matty Ride)” “Christmastime” by Hill & Hale and Their Merry Friends from “Christmastime”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Wish Background” by Kevin McLeod (from Incompetech)
“The Holly and the Ivy” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
More information:
As you might expect, Wikipedia has a large article about Thanksgiving dinner.
Foodtimeline.org goes through the history of Thanksgiving meals in North America, all the way back to Native American traditions.
The University of Southern California’s Annenberg Media Center has a history of the Thanksgiving feast of their own.
Sports and political data site FiveThirtyEight had an unscientific look at what different regions of America eat at Thanksgiving.
Lonely Planet has a similar take on regional Thanksgiving foods in the U.S.
116 The 10th Annual Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular! Ten years, baby!
16 augusti 2016 |
min
Escape is the theme this summer, as we have plenty to escape from. Find every episode, Christmas Stocking merch and more are at MyChristmasStocking.net. Call (323) 487-1225 before you forget–what makes Christmas so special for you? Tell the world! Or email it, along with music and show ideas, to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. There’s room for you on our Facebook and Google+ communities. Info I discussed is on my Twitter feed @XmasStocking.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Christmastime” by Hill & Hale and Their Merry Friends from “Christmastime”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by DJ 8-8008 feat. April Forrest
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Man! It’s Christmas” by the Rev. Jimmie Bratcher from “Man! It’s Christmas”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“I Saw Three Ships” by Found Wandering from the album “On a Christmas Night”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Christmas of Love” by Tresa Street
Buy on Tresa’s website
“Good King Wenceslas” by Takenobu from “Christmas Songs”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“A Voice is Sounding” by Sojourn from “A Child is Born”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Carol of the Bells (Remix)” Spade from “CEDM Christmas 2014” (from Noisetrade)
“What Child is This, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” by the Jazz Council from “Christmas Sampler”(from Noisetrade)
(Hear more Jazz Council on their album “Dawn” on iTunes)
“The Wassail Song” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
“The First Noel (Remix) by pKal from “CEDM Christmas 2014” (from Noisetrade)
“A Good King (Wenceslas)” by Kevin Zerbe from “Zerbinator’s ‘Under the Tree’”
More information:
The Capitol Christmas Tree 2016 website
115 “What Happened Christmas Eve” by Oliver Herfold
24 december 2015 |
min
A nice story for the little ones on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Merry Christmas. Call the Christmas Stocking at (323) 487-12-25 or email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. All year long you’ll find me on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Google+. Catch up on all the episodes and check out the extras at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks (w/ Hallelujah)” by Kurt Scobie from “A Merry Mixtape” (from Noisetrade)
Background music:
“Iuguetes en Navidad” by junior85 (from the Free Music Archive)
“Memory Box” by junior85 (from the Free Music Archive)
“Joy to the World” by Jason Shaw (from Audionautix.com)
Read the story yourself and find other stories in The Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories for Children.
114 Christmas Oranges
21 december 2015 |
min
Where did the tradition of getting an orange in the Christmas stocking start? With St. Nicholas, of course! Find everything at MyChristmasStocking.net. Call (323) 487-12-25 to wish someone Merry Christmas! Or email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. The Christmas Stocking is on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Google+.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Everywhere I Go” by Joshua and Heather from “Merry Christmas – EP” (from Noisetrade)
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Shakespeare’s Carol” by The Manor House String Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and Other Carols”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Sans Day Carol” by The Manor House String Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and Other Carols”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Angels We Have Heard on High” by Moat Jumper from “Christmas at the Renaissance Fair”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
More information:
Why’d You Eat That has a pretty good history.
Dave’s Garden has some theories.
Smithsonian.com will tell you about the orange and the stocking.
113 I Heard the Christmas Bells
17 december 2015 |
min
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” comes from an intensely personal poem by America’s poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the time of the Civil War. Lots more Christmas info and fun on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Google+. Catch up on all the episodes at MyChristmasStocking.net. Share your Christmas plans and/or traditions on the show at (323) 487-12-25. Or do it by email at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Alva Leigh
Background music:
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells”
“I Heard the Bells – Carol of the Bells Medley” by Kevin Zerbe from “The Ghost of Christmas Past”
“The Wassail Song” by Chris Friesen from “I Heard the Bells” (from Noisetrade)
More information:
Wikipedia has a bit about the origin of the song, and more about different popular versions.
The website of The Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States has an article with more military details about Longfellow’s son Charles.
112 Nutcrackers
14 december 2015 |
min
You know the ballet. Do you know the history of the nutcrackers and how they became so popular at Christmas? It wasn’t just the ballet. Wish your loved ones Merry Christmas on the show at (323) 487-12-25. Or do it by email at TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. The Christmas Stocking is on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Google+. Everything is at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Dance of the Reed Pipes” by William Arnold from “Expedition: Nutcracker Suite” (from Noisetrade)
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Check out William’s podcast, the Music Instigator
Background music:
“Waltz of the Flowers” by William Arnold from “Expedition: Nutcracker Suite” (from Noisetrade)
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“Trepak (Russian Dance from the Nutcracker)” by Glenn Crytzer’s Savoy Seven from “A Little Love This Christmas”
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Buy from Bandcamp
More information:
Slate has more in their Brief History of Nutcrackers.
Wikipedia will brief you in a more expansive history.
And of course the Nutcracker Museum has more, with lots of pictures.
111 Christmas Toys 1970-1979
10 december 2015 |
min
A lot of great toys were invented in the 1970s and put under the tree; too many to mention! But I cover some of the biggest in this episode. Follow the show on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Google+. And please come to MyChristmasStocking.net. Share your Christmas plans by calling (323) 487-12-25 and be on the show. Or email them to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Fluffy Snow” by Bill McKechnie from “Key to Christmas Fluffy Snow”
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Background music:
“Ringing Bells (instrumental version)” by Hill & Hale and Their Merry Friends from “Christmastime”
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More information:
Wikipedia has a pretty comprehensive history of the Nerf ball.
People magazine has a pretty breezy history of Nerf.
On Wikipedia, learn all you wanted to learn and more about Uno.
Wikipedia discusses the Kenner “Star Wars” action figures, where they all began.
Retro Junk also has a good history of the “Star Wars” figures.
Wikipedia delves into the history of “Hungry Hungry Hippos.”
Learn more about Strawberry Shortcake from Wikipedia.
110 The Legend of the Christmas Rose
7 december 2015 |
min
Suggested by Joe on Facebook! There’s a song about it. And a sweet story. The flower, the legend, the poem, the carol, it’s all in here. Plus bonus music! Believe it or not, time is running out to call (323) 487-12-25 and be on the show. Or email TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. Join us on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Google+. And please come to MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” by the Grace Episcopal Church Choir (from Soundclick.com)
“Mvmt IV, Every Bell On Earth Will Ring” by the Oh Hellos from “The Oh Hellos’ Family Christmas Album”
Buy on iTunes
Background music includes:
“Bethlehem” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Realidade Eterna (Eternal Reality)” by Corciolli from “Nosso Lar (The Astral City)”
“The Holly and the Ivy” by The Manor House String Quartet from “I Saw Three Ships and Other Carols”
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More information:
Novareinna.com has a more on the rose and the legend.
Read the poem that inspired the carol and more at NoelNoelNoel.com.
Read another version of the legend at The Baldwin Project.
109 Scary Ghost Stories
3 december 2015 |
min
Is that song onto something? Turns out ghost stories at Christmas is a thing, or was a thing (mostly). Keep up on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Google+. Call (323) 487-12-25 and wish someone you love Merry Christmas. Or email your wishes to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. All the episodes are at MyChristmasStocking.net.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Reindeer” by Hill & Hale and Their Merry Friends from “Christmastime”
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Background music:
“What Child is This” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Jingle Bells” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
More information:
The Guardian explores the Victorian tradition.
A Gothic Curiosity Cabinet looks at the history of telling ghost stories at Christmas.
The Deseret News has more on holiday time ghost stories.
The Conversation examines why we don’t tell ghost stories at Christmas in America.
The Paris Review has five ghost stories perfect for Christmastime.
108 Christmas Trees: Real vs. Artificial
30 november 2015 |
min
Whether real or artificial, Christmas trees are a symbol of the season. Which is better for you? Come to MyChristmasStocking.net for more episodes. Another question: What are you doing for Christmas? What is your favorite Christmas memory? Call (323) 487-12-25. Or email it to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. Join us on Facebook, on Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Google+.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“My Christmas Wish” by Doreen Taylor
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Background music:
“O Christmas Tree 2007” by John Stebbe (from MacJams.com)
“O Tannenbaum” by The Manor House String Quartet from “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and Other Carols”
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More information:
Earth911 weighs the pluses and minuses of both choices.
So does ZME Science.
NPR has a look at the tension between the two types.
The History Channel has a history of Christmas trees.
So does the Christmas Stocking. Way back in 2006. Episode 3!
Wikipedia relates the history of the artificial tree, and the types.
The Boston Globe discusses what it takes to grow a natural tree.
107 Black Friday and Wanamaker’s Christmas Light Show
26 november 2015 |
min
Some advice on what to avoid and what to go for on Black Friday, and a trip to Philadelphia for the Wanamaker Christmas Light Show. Find a lot more Christmas info on Twitter (@XmasStocking), on Facebook, and Google+. Home base is MyChristmasStocking.net, with all the episodes and a lot more. Be on the show! Share your Christmas memories or Christmas plans–or wish someone Merry Christmas at (323) 487-12-25. Or email them to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Christmas Gets Worse Every Year (feat. Oscar Foxley)” by The Other Guys
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Buy on CDBaby
Background music:
“The First Noel (pKai Remix)” by pKai from “The CEDM Christmas 2014”
“Für Elise” by Lenny Marcus from “The Jazz of Beethoven”
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Buy on CDBaby
More information:
The NY Daily News tech guide for 2015.
Kim Komando warns you against these Black Friday “deals” in USA Today.
Black Friday preparation and shopping strategies from U.S. News and World Report.
The outlook for the UK’s Black Friday from c|net.
The Friends of the Wanamaker Organ have a website with lots of information.
All the info you need if you want to visit the Wanamaker organ at Macy’s from Visit Philadelphia.
Wikipedia has lots of info on the history of Wanamaker’s and the organ.
106 Holiday Parades, Small and Boat
23 november 2015 |
min
There’s more to holiday parades than Macy’s, although I’ll talk about that too. You’ll find all the episodes, Christmas Stocking merch and more at MyChristmasStocking.net. Tell me your Christmas plans or Christmas memories–or wish someone Merry Christmas at (323) 487-12-25. Or email them, along with music and show ideas, to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET. Join us on Facebook, Twitter (@XmasStocking) and Google+.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“American Christmas” by Shawna Swansburg
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“Home 4 the Holidays” by Devyn Rose
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Fretless” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“Deck the Halls” by Oven Rake from “XMAS Compilation 10” (from the Free Music Archive)
“Carol of the Bells (Afrolizer Remix)” by Afrolizer from “CEDM Christmas 2014” (from Noisetrade)
More information:
The Guardian tells much of the background.
A Gothic Curiosity Cabinet has some theories.
So does the Deseret News.
And The Conversation.
The Paris Review has theories and some suggested ghostly reading.
105 The 9th Annual Christmas Stocking Summer Music Spectacular
15 augusti 2015 |
min
The promo said it and it’s still true: it’s the summer, so it’s time to enjoy some holiday music. Everything I talked about is on my Twitter feed @XmasStocking. And make sure you join our Facebook and Google+ communities! All the episodes, Christmas Stocking merch and more are at MyChristmasStocking.net. And tell me your Christmas plans or Christmas memories–or wish someone Merry Christmas at (323) 487-1225. Or email it, along with music and show ideas, to TopElf at MyChristmasStocking dot NET,
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“Jingle Bell Swing” by Mark Smeby from “En attendant Noël…” (from the Free Music Archive) and “Christmas”
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“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Seth and Betsy from the “Christmas” EP (from Noisetrade)
“O Come All Ye Faithful” by Peter Furler featuring David Ian from “Peter Furler Christmas featuring David Ian”
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“West Coast” by The Connection from the album “A Christmas Gift for”
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Buy on iTunes
“We Three Kings/O Come, O Come Emmanuel” by Groove for Thought from “Songs of Good Cheer”
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Buy from Amazon
“Angels We Have Heard On High” by Evan Wickham from the EP “Christmas Music Vol. 1” (from Noisetrade)
Buy from iTunes
Buy from Amazon
“Blood Oranges in the Snow” by Over the Rhine from “Even The Snow Turns Blue: An Over the Rhine Christmas Compilation” (from Noisetrade) and “Blood Oranges in the Snow”
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
Background music:
“Cumbia de Tannenbaum (Club Mix)” by Juan Oskar from “Christmas is for Grownups Too” (I found it on Mevio.com)
Buy on iTunes
Buy on Amazon
“Christmas Medley by Gina and Kev” by Gina Kellenberger and by Kevin Zerbe
“xmas songs plastic sputnik arcade punk remix” by Hally from “The 8bits of Christmas” (from the Free Music Archive)
“Decking the Halls in 1966” by Juan Oskar from “Christmas is for Grownups Too” (I found it on Mevio.com)
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“Joy to the World” by Bing Futch (from MacJams.com)
“Goodbye Charles” by Over the Rhine from “Even The Snow Turns Blue: An Over the Rhine Christmas Compilation” (from Noisetrade) and “Snow Angels”
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Buy on Amazon
More information:
Hamley’s top toys for Christmas 2015
The official site for the Capitol Christmas Tree 2015
104 “Papa Panov’s Special Christmas” by Leo Tolstoy
23 december 2014 |
min
It’s time for a Christmas story. This one’s really nice. Make sure you’re caught up with all the episodes at MyChristmasStocking.net. Keep up with the show on Facebook, Twitter (@XmasStocking), and Google+.
Click here to download the show to your device.
Featured music:
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” by Peter Furler featuring David Ian from “Peter Furler Christmas featuring David Ian”
Buy from iTunes
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Background music:
“Away in a Manger – Traditional Christmas Carol for Piano” by Mario Ajero (from Mevio.com)
“After Christmas” by Dexter Britain from “Dexter Britain: Creative Commons Vol. 2” (from the Free Music Archive)
“The Gloucestershire Wassail” by IKOS featuring Dave Clifton from “Christmas Carols and Songs” (Little Room) (from the Free Music Archive)
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“Silent Night” by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas” by Paul and Brenda Neal from “Two Harps Christmas” (from Mevio.com)
Buy from iTunes
“Snow Day” by Rosie Thomas from “A Very Rosie Christmas”
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“Of the Father’s Love Begotten”” by IKOS featuring Dave Clifton from “Christmas Carols and Songs” (Little Room) (from the Free Music Archive)
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Buy at Amazon
“We Wish You A Merry Christmas” by the United States Marine Band from “Holiday Music Selections” (from the Free Music Archive)
More:
Read the story yourself thanks to Google Books.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.