Christmas Alphabet is all about Christmas – in alphabetical order.
Every two weeks there’s a new episode about Christmas: history, memories and music, all starting with one letter of the alphabet.
The podcast is written and hosted by Wayne – an author, broadcaster and Baptist pastor in Manchester, UK.
This time we look at Christmas starting with the letter N.
Among the things we’re navigating, there’s: St Nicholas, the Nativity, Nativity scenes and Nativity plays. We consider the word Noel, or should that be Nowell. Then we look at the history of the Nutcracker and the ballet the Nutcracker.
Please subscribe to this independent and podcast with no commercials. Please tell your friends about us and give us a positive review. Thanks for your support.
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On this episode, we’ll learn about Santa’s Workshop North Pole, a Christmas themed amusement park in Colorado, and talk with one of the general managers of the park, Austin Lawhorn. We’ll also run down the top 5 opening lines in Christmas movies, discover a way to add a little Christmas to your next formal affair, and we’ll reveal your picks for recasting Miracle on 34th Street for Re-Castmas!
00:00 – 02:09 Intro
02:09 – 04:00 We Need a Little Christmas Now
04:00 – 11:56 Five Golden Things (First Lines In Christmas Movies)
11:56 – 13:27 The North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
13:27 – 29:03 A Conversation with the North Pole’s Austin Lawhorn
29:03 – 36:11 Simply Having A Wacky Re-Castmas Time (Miracle on 34th Street)
36:11 – 38:41 Wrap Up
38:41 – 40:55 Outtakes
“We Wish You A Merry Christmas” United States Marine Band
“Jingle Bells” Performed by Kristen Nowicki
(The embedded player for the episode is bellow the links)
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This jiggly dessert has adorned holiday tables across the United Kingdom. Originally from Italy, it has made an appearance in such writings as Poldark and the books of Harry Potter. It’s now more commonly purchased in packet form with traditional flavours of vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, but was originally made with poultry and almonds. We are exploring the history and origins of this creamy, gelatinous dessert: blancmange.
Welcome to episode 51 of Holly Jolly X’masu! In this episode, I’ll be discussing Goro “Smiley” Asahina’s 1967 album, “Dancing Through Blue Christmas.”
Just speaking as a collector, this is the sort of album I live for. Not only is it virtually unknown, both here and in Japan, but it contains an original song that can only be found here. Finding songs and albums like this are a huge thrill. As a result, the episodes where I cover music that can truly only be heard here are even more enjoyable.
I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to “Dancing Through Blue Christmas,” and learning at least a little about Goro “Smiley” Asahina. He’s a unique figure, at least among the musicians I’ve researched, in that he was so closely tied not just to the US military, but to one base in particular.
Be sure to join me back here in June as I kick off the summer months with a pair of truly enjoyable albums. Up first is “Xmas Home Party” by Naozumi Yamamoto. He’s joined by the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and famed pianist Norio Maeda. Then join me on the 25th for Naomi Sagara’s 1975 album, “White Christmas.” She was an extremely popular singer throughout the 1970s with an outstanding voice. They’re both great albums, and you’re sure to enjoy them.
As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.
Remember, I’ve added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you’d like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!
Happy Monday! This week, the elves start off talking about graduations, Moonknight, and recently announced releases that get them excited before jumping into the 2009 Macy’s animated special Yes, Virginia. They look at the true story behind the legend and discuss Francis B. Church’s iconic letter in the Sun, talk through the animation style, and ultimate disagree on how to rank this short. Who likes it and who doesn’t? Tune in to find out!
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/tisthepodcast.jpg16401628e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2022-05-23 00:16:212022-05-23 10:16:54“Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” (Macy’s 2009 Yes, Virginia.
What’s up, dudes? Glen Warren from Season’s Eatings and I dive into synth pop giant Erasure and their Christmas song “She Won’t Be Home!” We talk chord progression, lyrics, and rhythmic patterns! Of course we also talk dance and synths! Oh yeah, and we talk their version of “Silent Night!” How does their uptempo rhythm-driven style mesh with the lullaby composition of that Christmas classic? Find out here in this episode!
This week Australia’s ONLY Christmas Podcast takes a deep dive on the underrated and very humble Gingerbread and we discuss why we believe it will be the Hottest Christmas Item in town this year.
We discover how much effort people are putting into their Christmas Card greetings and if its cheapens the sentiment the less effort you put in plus
How do we feel about the bombardment of Christmas causes each year. Do we partake or avoid like the Festive Plague.
This week with Liam Renton and Ness Gibson on Christmas Podding.
Listen to this episode of Christmas Podding
Author: Liam Renton
Title: Christmas Podding – Why is Gingerbread so underrated and why its going to be this years flavour of the month.
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After the success of last episode’s brand new advice column, Jack-Ask, 2 people have contacted the show asking for solutions to their problems. Once again your heroic host has stepped into the breach to save Christmas.
Then it’s a brand new segment ‘Do You Hear What I Hear’. Bob Baker, the show’s self appointed bar tender, translates the English meaning of a Christmas word into the American English meaning.
Then Kevin Church has sent in the story of his Dad’s worst Christmas present. It’s not the worst present, but the way the gift is delivered certainly ruins the surprise.
Then Bob Baker is back again and I read out his Story of Shame. He tells us about his Christmas tradition of Punking the Andersons.
Ever wondered why Scrooge says that anyone going around with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding? Is that really how you cook a Christmas pudding? Find out in this episode’s What The Dickens.
This episode’s version of A Christmas Carol is not really a version of A Christmas Carol. It’s an episode of Gumby in which Scrooge escapes from his book to wreak havoc. If you want to watch it, here’s a link:
I also talk briefly about another Christmas episode of Gumby, called Santa Witch, you can watch that one as well if you like:
Then, he’s back again, Bob Baker tells us the sad tale of how he found out the truth about Santa.
If you want to get in touch the email address is
totalchristmas@gmail.com
What’s up, dudes? It’s a LOST EPISODE! Recorded in August 2020, my brother Danny joined me to talk “The Muppet Christmas Carol!” After disappearing into Zoom archive obscurity, this recording was finally found and dusted off so that you can hear my brother and I really get into it! There’s impressions, there’s singing, there’s tons of nostalgia as we reminisce about watching this every Christmas in our living room! “Marley & Marley? Check! Creepy Ghost of Christmas Past muppet? Got it! Good times to the max? For sure! So lay a big ol’ blanket on the floor, get your popcorn and hot chocolate ready, and dig into this muppety episode!
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Welcome to episode 50 of Holly Jolly X’masu! In this episode, I’ll be discussing the 1977 compilation, “Merry Christmas (Bouquet of Hearts Present Series),” from King Records.
When I started buying records a couple years ago, I had one very short-term goal: To buy the half dozen albums I’d heard about while trying to find Akira Ishikawa’s “Drum Christmas Drum.” Off the top of my head, those were “Drum Christmas Drum,” Jun Fukamachi’s “Now Sound Christmas,” Jimmy Takeuchi’s “White X’mas Drum Drum,” Chiemi Eri’s “Chiemi Sings Christmas Carols,” Jackey Yoshikawa’s “Christmas With Blue Comets,” and Takeshi Terauchi’s “Bunnies’ Christmas Party.” I hadn’t heard any of the albums all the way through, and you couldn’t even find clips online for two of them. I knew next to nothing about the albums and the artists behind them, and didn’t have much of an idea of how to find out more about them.
After I got “Merry Christmas (Bouquet of Hearts Present Series),” the associations I made and the work we did on it helped me gain the skills I needed to find the records I was looking for, and discover far more than I had ever hoped for. It also gave me the confidence I needed, maybe not to start my podcast, but in myself and my ability to do the research I’d need to do to keep it going.
When I started my podcast, I had doubts about ever getting through the first year, whether I’d ever have enough albums for a dozen full episodes, and whether I’d be able to keep up the grueling pace of one episode per month. Now I’m releasing my 50th episode and I’ve barely scratched the surface. I’ve mentioned several times that every album I cover is from my personal collection. I have a literal wealth of records left to cover, including many of the most noteworthy and influential albums and singles that have shaped Japanese Christmas music over the past 70 years. I likely would have never found a lot of those if not for the things I learned from acquiring this album.
I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to “Merry Christmas (Bouquet of Hearts Present Series),” and learning about some of the songs and musicians featured on it. Join me back here later this month as I talk about another virtually unknown album I unearthed, Goro “Smiley” Asahina’s “Dancing Through Blue Christmas.” It’s a fantastic record and one you don’t want to miss!
As always, any feedback on this episode would be appreciated. If have any suggestions, or if you’d like to recommend a song or album for a future episode, drop me a line and let me know.
Remember, I’ve added a button to my Ko-fi page. If you’d like to support me one cup of coffee at a time, a donation is only $3. I’ve also opened a Redbubble store. I only have a couple designs up, but keep an eye on it as I’ll be trying to add more. Half of any proceeds or donations received will be donated to support the people of Ukraine, while the rest will be used to purchase new Japanese Christmas music to review for future episodes. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And if you get a chance, leave me a review on iTunes. Thanks!
Ken Kessler from the Sounds of Christmas talks about “Jingle Bell Rock” and how different artists release Christmas music. He also talks to singer/songwriter/consultant/blogger John O’Leary about some of the lesser known things about the writing of “Jingle Bell Rock”, including the conspiracy theories about what might have happened (which probably did happen) in which careers were ended and lives were threatened. They also talked about the songwriting story behind “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”, and how that song evolved thanks to Judy Garland, and then, several years later, thanks to Frank Sinatra.
You can find out more about John O’Leary and read his blogs on his website: http://businesslessonsfromrock.com
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/soctree1500.jpg16241500e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2022-05-16 21:10:232022-05-17 06:11:28Controversy, Tragedy and Jingle Bell Rock
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CPP-Episode-1-mp3-image.jpg15001500e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2022-05-16 19:24:432022-05-16 19:24:43Christmas Podcasts Roundup – April 23rd through May 13th 2022
It’s gonna, gonna, gonna… It’s gonna be a massively MAY-ry stocking stuffer episode!
In this springtime surprise stocking stuffer episode, Eric and Danny chat through your, yes YOUR topic suggestions. Santa drives the sleigh, but the Christmas Countdown Crew drives this episode. From Christmas in July and Christmas Hymns vs Christmas Songs, to ideas for new Christmas traditions and snow… like any great holiday treat, this ep is packed with gigantically jolly goodness!
Happy Monday, Christmas fanatics! Can you believe that we’re already over halfway through May?! Where is time going?!
Journey back 30 years through time with the elves, all the way to the year of 1992, to discuss the Romeo Muller Christmas special, “Noël“, which was marketed as “a Christmas story for all generations”! Does the little red Christmas ornament, who has a happiness, live up to the tagline that describes his short film? Can he spread holiday cheer and share his happiness with all of the elves, or is this special just too surreal? How does having a history and nostalgia with this cartoon affect Anthony’s rankings, and how does it play for Thom and Julia who had no idea this cartoon existed and are seeing it for the first time? All of these questions, and more, will be answered in this fun filled, “Mystery Science Theater 3000“-esque episode that’s sure to bring a smile to your face!
So settle in and enjoy this fun episode which will serve as the perfect way to kick off the week! As always, thanks for your love and support, y’all! 🎅🏻 🎄 🎁 🦌 ⛄️ 🦉 🔔 🚂 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🎀
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/tisthepodcast.jpg16401628e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2022-05-16 01:15:322022-05-16 06:15:54Hi! My Name Is Noël, And I Have A Happiness! (Noël)
Christmas Alphabet is all about Christmas – in alphabetical order.
Every two weeks there’s a new episode about Christmas: history, memories and music, all starting with one letter of the alphabet.
The podcast is written and hosted by Wayne – an author, broadcaster and Baptist pastor in Manchester, UK.
This time we look at Christmas starting with the letter M.
We’re exploring: Merry Christmas, Mary and the Manger, the Magi and their Myrrh. We’re trying some Mince pies, going to Midnight Mass and the Christmas Markets for some Mulled wine and watching Miracle on 34th Street. Then there’s a whole catalogue of Christmas songs including hits by Justin Bieber, Shaking Stevens and Cliff Richard. We have a listen to Mary’s Boy Child and Mary Did You Know?
Please subscribe to this independent and podcast with no commercials. Please tell your friends about us and give us a positive review. Thanks for your support.
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We join BZ as the cops are racing in to arrest him due to Cornelia’s phone call to the police about kidnapping and exploding candy canes. Do you think BZ would have been actually charged? Join us as we discuss Minute 97 of Santa Claus: The Movie (1985).
https://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/SantaByTheMinuteApple-scaled.jpg25602560e_xanderhttps://christmaspodcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/logo4-300x138.pnge_xander2022-05-11 06:35:592022-05-11 13:36:18Minute 99 – Up, Up and Away!
